Justification for non-substantive change to the DS-156

Request for non-substantive change to the DS-156:

The Department of State is requesting a non-substantive change to the DS-156.

The Visa Office is adding additional text to bullet three of question 38: Have you ever engaged in the recruitment of or the use of child soldiers?

This addition is necessary in order to implement the Child Soldiers Accountability Act of 2008, Public Law 110-340. Section 2(b) of the Act created a new visa ineligibility for individuals who have engaged in the recruitment and/or use of child soldiers. The addition of this question is necessary to ensure that all visa applicants are asked about their potential involvement the recruitment and/or use of child soldiers.