In a move that could significantly expand digital surveillance, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has proposed a new requirement for individuals applying for U.S. citizenship, green cards, asylum, or refugee status to disclose their social media handles.
This proposal, published in the Federal Register, aligns with an executive order issued by former President Donald Trump titled “Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats.” The order directs federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to maximize screening and vetting efforts for non-citizens entering or residing in the U.S.
Enhanced Vetting Through Social Media
USCIS argues that collecting social media information is “necessary for rigorous vetting and screening” of applicants seeking immigration benefits. The policy would affect those applying for:
- Green cards
- U.S. naturalization
- Asylum or refugee status
- Relatives of individuals granted asylum or refugee status
The agency estimates that over 3.5 million applicants would be impacted by this measure annually.
Public Feedback and Privacy Concerns
Following the proposal’s publication, the public has until May 5 2025 to submit feedback on the policy. Privacy advocates and civil rights organizations have raised concerns over potential misuse and the chilling effect it may have on free speech. Critics argue that monitoring social media history could lead to arbitrary denials based on past online activity.
If approved, the new policy would add another layer to the U.S. immigration process, reinforcing digital scrutiny as a key component of national security evaluations.