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Visa Mantis Checks: Visa Revoked or Denied

Ethics Before Profits
Law Offices of Ernest Goodman > cybersecurity  > Visa Mantis Checks: Visa Revoked or Denied

Visa Mantis Checks: Visa Revoked or Denied

Hello, everyone!

Today we will discuss the Visa Mantis Check and the Technology Alert List (TAL). Sometimes, students on F-1 visas or workers on H-1B visas leave the U.S. temporarily, only to face unexpected delays, visa revocation, or even denial of re-entry. This can be a distressing situation for individuals who have adhered to their visa guidelines, only to be flagged under what is known as the Visa Mantis Check. There are cases when students or H-1B visa workers have their visas revoked.

Why is This Happening?

The Visa Mantis Check is a special security screening that the U.S. Department of State employs when individuals applying for visas are involved in specific fields deemed sensitive to national security. This process specifically targets applicants with backgrounds, expertise, or current employment in areas that could be linked to critical technologies, military advancements, or dual-use (both civilian and military) applications.

The Technology Alert List (TAL) is at the core of these evaluations. If a consular officer determines that a person’s education, job, or field of research aligns with the fields on the TAL, the individual may be subject to the Visa Mantis Check. This involves a series of additional security screenings coordinated between the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the Department of State, and various security and intelligence agencies, including the FBI and Department of Homeland Security.

How Does the Visa Mantis Check Work?

Once flagged, the applicant’s case goes through multiple layers of scrutiny. Agencies check for any indicators that the individual’s access to sensitive technology might compromise national security or support foreign intelligence efforts. This process can add several weeks or even months to visa processing times, and it often happens without the applicant’s immediate knowledge. While some applicants might eventually be cleared, others could face visa revocations or prolonged delays.

What is the Technology Alert List (TAL)?

The TAL includes fields of study, research, and employment that are considered sensitive by the U.S. government. These fields may include, but are not limited to:

  1. Nuclear Technology: Includes nuclear engineering, physics, and technology related to nuclear energy or weapons.
  2. Missile Technology: Encompasses research and technology associated with ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and rockets.
  3. Chemical and Biotechnology: Covers advancements in toxic chemicals, pathogens, and biotoxins that could be used in warfare.
  4. Advanced Computer Technology: High-performance computing, software development, and encryption that could be used in military applications.
  5. Materials Technology: Technologies related to high-performance materials, including metals and ceramics, which could have military uses.
  6. Information Security: Cryptography and information security that may impact national defense or foreign policy interests.
  7. Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering: Aircraft design, guidance systems, and propulsion systems that could be sensitive.
  8. Robotics: Advanced robotic applications with potential military or espionage uses.
  9. Remote Sensing and Imaging: Technologies related to satellite imaging, radar, and geospatial data collection.
  10. Marine Technology: Submarine, naval, or other technology that could assist in undersea warfare.
  11. Sensors and Sensor Technology: Advanced sensing technologies that could be adapted for espionage or defense purposes.
  12. Urban Planning and Civil Engineering: Studies that involve strategic planning and infrastructure, especially those that could support foreign military strategies.
  13. Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing: Cutting-edge computational research with potential for national security impacts.

What Can You Do?

While the Visa Mantis Check and the TAL are complex and highly regulated, it is important to be proactive when traveling if you are involved in a TAL-related field. Knowing the nature of these fields can help you understand why a Visa Mantis Check might occur and how to address it effectively. However, outcomes can vary, and each case is unique, so it’s often beneficial to seek professional advice.

Final Note

This post is not legal advice but rather a general overview of the Visa Mantis Check and the Technology Alert List. If you or someone you know is facing issues with visa denials, delays, or revocations, our office is prepared to assist you. We understand the stakes involved and are here to help navigate this challenging process. Feel free to reach out to our team for guidance and support tailored to your situation.

 

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