The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is considering a major expansion in applicant screening, proposing that individuals seeking green cards, U.S. citizenship, asylum, or refugee status must disclose their social media accounts as part of their application.
USCIS Proposal for Enhanced Vetting
This new policy, published in the Federal Register, aims to strengthen vetting and screening measures for immigration-related applications. According to USCIS, this requirement is necessary for national security and ensuring a thorough background check on all applicants.
Link to National Security Order
The proposal is in line with the executive order titled “Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats,” which was issued during President Trump’s administration. This order directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to:
“Identify all resources that may be used to ensure that all aliens seeking admission to the United States, or who are already in the United States, are vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible.”
Public Comment Period and Impact
The public has until May 5th to submit their feedback on the proposed policy following its Federal Register publication. If implemented, the policy would require applicants for immigration benefits to provide their social media handles on application forms.
This requirement is expected to impact over 3.5 million individuals, including those applying for:
- Green cards
- Naturalization (U.S. citizenship)
- Asylum and refugee status
- Family reunification for asylees and refugees
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The proposal has already sparked debate over privacy concerns, as critics argue it could lead to increased government surveillance of immigrants. Meanwhile, supporters believe it is a necessary step for national security and preventing potential threats.
