The U.S. government is planning to look more closely at people's social media—like Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter)—when they apply for green cards, visas, or other immigration benefits.
The new policy will require applicants to share their social media handles when applying for almost any kind of immigration benefit and would apply to even those who have already undergone a background check.
The collected information would be used to make a decision on your visa application. Immigration officers would be able to take screenshots of your posts and keep them in your immigration file.
They may deny or cancel your visa if they believe your social media posts suggest a “hostile attitude toward U.S. citizens or culture.”
This means that if you have ever posted something the government thinks is “anti-American” or made a comment that could be misunderstood or misinterpreted, it might be used against you. Recently, over 300 student visas were taken away just because of things people posted online.
What You Should Do: Check your social media. Delete anything that could be misunderstood, even old posts. If your account is public, think about making it private. And if you are worried about how this could affect your immigration status, contact our office. We're here to help.
Social Media Concerns - 9 Tips on What You Should Do:
- Set Accounts to Private: If possible, change your social media accounts to private. Be cautious about who can view your posts, comments, photos, and activity.
- Delete Old Posts: Go through your posts and remove anything that could be seen as political, controversial, or offensive—even if it was a joke or shared by someone else.
- Avoid Sharing or Reacting to Sensitive Content: Refrain from posting or liking content that could be interpreted as anti-U.S., violent, or associated with extremist topics. This includes memes, slogans, or retweets.
- Check Your “Likes” and “Follows”: Officers may also look at which pages or individuals you follow and what content you've liked. Review those and unfollow or unlike anything that could be misunderstood.
- Don't Use Fake Names or Locations: Using a fake name to hide your identity might seem smart, but the government's increased use of AI and more sophisticated technology may reveal your true identity.
- Use Simple, Clear Language: If you do post, be careful with sarcasm or humor—immigration officers reviewing your profile may not understand the context or your language fully.
- Think Before You Post (Even in DMs): Private messages or group chats might not be completely private if someone screenshots or reports them.
- Educate Family Members: If family or friends tag you in posts or write things on your wall, let them know your immigration status could be at risk based on their comments.
- Talk to an Attorney: If you're worried about something on your profile or you've received a government notice, don't panic—get legal advice right away. We are here to help.
Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult a qualified immigration attorney.
