Many Asians got extremely excited with news that President Donald Trump allegedly granted them visa-free travel to the United States, only to find out in the end that it was fake.
News that Trump will lift visa restrictions for Asians circulated on Facebook and spread quickly in countries like Thailand and the Philippines. The said announcement was published by a site Inquirer Local Reports. It was easily believable if readers are not careful because one the Philippines’ leading online news sites is under the same name.
“The new order, serving as a change in visa policy for Asians traveling to the United States, would permit Asia nationals stay in the U.S for a maximum period of 180 days for Tourism or Business purposes only. Stay over 180 days would therefore require a visa,” the fake article stated.
The new visa policy for Asians allegedly aims to strengthen ties between the United States and Asia.
Many that were skeptical about the news dug deeper and confirmed that the announcement was a complete hoax. But those who did not research further were quick to believe.
In order to put an end to the debate, the U.S. Embassy in Malaysia and Thailand already posted statements claiming that the POTUS did not make any such statements.
“Reports that President Trump ordered that visas will no longer be required for all Asian nationals traveling to the United States are false,” stated the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok.
They also included a website link that leads to visa requirements for those who wish to travel to the United States, Coconuts Bangkok noted.
Those who have had the pleasure of listening to Trump’s speeches and interviews will naturally be suspicious of such news, especially after the new U.S. president immediately ordered a visa ban to countries like Iraq, Syria, Libya, Iran, Somalia, Yemen, and Sudan.
