USCIS will review social networks of immigrants: what you should know

The United States government has announced a new measure that will allow immigration authorities to review the social networks of visa applicants and other migratory benefits. The initiative, promoted by the administration of Donald Trump, seeks to strengthen national security and prevent fraud in immigration processes.

What does this measure imply?

The US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) published on Tuesday the proposal in the Federal Registry and opened a period of public comments 60 days before possible implementation. The executive order signed by Trump on January 20 requires establishing stricter standards to assess the eligibility of immigrants.

The USCIS staff will analyze publications, interactions and connections of applicants on social networks to detect inconsistencies between the information provided in their applications and their online activity. Those profiles that contradict what was declared could be alert and affect their immigration process.

Who will be affected?

If approved, the measure will apply to millions of immigrants who request migratory benefits, including:

• N-400 (application for naturalization)
• I-485 (Green Card application)
• I-589 (asylum application)
• I-131 (travel document)
• I-192, I-590, I-730, I-751, I-829 (other migratory benefits)

USCIS analysts will seek, among other things:

✅ Inconsistencies in statements: a applicant who alleges political persecution, but expresses support to the government of his country in networks, could see his asylum application compromised.

✅ Links with illegal activities: USCIS could identify connections with criminal or extremist organizations.

✅ Doubtful family and work relationships: if a applicant declares to be married to an American citizen, but his online activity does not reflect such a relationship, this could generate suspicions.

Privacy and civil rights concerns

Various civil rights groups have expressed concern about this initiative, noting that it could affect the freedom of expression and privacy of immigrants. The measure could also generate arbitrary interpretations that hinder the approval of migratory benefits.

Immigration lawyer José Guerrero explained that this measure aims to strengthen security controls, but warns that it could affect applicants in good faith. «The Government wants to make sure that those who apply are the ones who claim to be, but there is also the risk that a misunderstood publication generates problems in a migratory process»he said in an interview with the journalist Daniel Benítez.

What follows?

During the next two months, the public will be able to send comments on the measure to the Federal Registry. After this period, the Government will decide whether or not to implement social networks review in immigration processes.

For those who plan to request some immigration benefit, it is advisable to review their activity on social networks and ensure that shared information is consistent with their requests.