USCIS Social Media Policy

Social media screening by immigration officials has become more common as technology use grows. While social media monitoring for those wishing to come to the U.S. began about a decade ago during the Obama administration, the guidelines significantly changed in 2025 under the Trump administration.

Understanding the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) social media policy is crucial for those wishing to come to the U.S. Government agencies increasingly use social media checks in their immigration vetting process.

Scrutinization of individuals applying for visas, green cards, naturalization, and asylum is on the rise, so it’s essential to understand how the current USCIS social media policy affects those wishing to come to the U.S.

Immigration Social Media Screening

On March 5, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a notice in the Federal Register that detailed plans to compile social media “handles” on nine immigration forms.

• N-400, Application for Naturalization
• I-751, Permission to Remove Conditions on Residence
• I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
• I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal
• I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition
• I-192, Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Nonimmigrant
• I-829, Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Residence Status
• I-590, Registration for Classification as a Refugee
• I-131, Application for Travel Document

The form changes comply with President Trump’s January 20, 2025, Executive Order 14161, “Protecting the United States From Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats.”

Social Media Platforms

Many social media platforms are being scrutinized by immigration officials, including:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• X (Twitter)
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• Reddit
• SnapChat
• TikTok

The best assumption is that anything available to the public on social media is available to immigration officials.

What Is Controversial About Social Media Monitoring?

Critics believe social media monitoring raises serious concerns about privacy, due process, discrimination, and freedom of expression.

If you think your rights are being violated by social media monitoring, contact our knowledgeable and experienced immigration attorneys for guidance and to explore your options.

Social Media Checks for Immigration

Social media screening can occur at multiple stages of the immigration process, at various government checkpoints, and by several types of government officials. It’s essential to be aware of potential consequences if an official flags any content, which could lead to additional questioning, delayed entry, or even denial of entry.

Where and When Can Social Media Be Screened? What Are the Potential Consequences of Flagged Content?

U.S. Ports of Entry

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can review public social media upon your arrival at a U.S. airport, seaport, or land border. Travelers may be subject to additional questioning, delayed entry, or denied entry if CBP is suspicious of content.

During Visa Applications

The Department of State (DOS) requires applicants using forms DS-160 (nonimmigrant visas) or DS-260 (immigrant visa) to list their social media handles to verify identity, look for fraud, and assess security risks. If any content is deemed suspicious, visas can be denied or delayed.

During Adjustment of Status and Green Card Applications

USCIS reviews social media content to verify an individual’s background and identity as asserted on forms I-485, I-130, and I-140. Marriage claims, employment history, and public content are of particular interest. If anything found contradicts the application, it may result in a Request for Evidence (RFE), denial, inadmissibility due to fraud, or a referral to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

During Naturalization Applications

Along with Form N-400, USCIS uses social media content to determine an applicant’s “good moral character” by looking for any fraud, illegal activity, or disloyalty to the U.S. As a result of any flagged content, applicants can be denied, delayed, or referred to ICE.

During Applications for Asylum, Refugee, and Humanitarian Programs

USCIS, DHS, ICE, and Refugee Support Centers may be involved depending on the circumstances. Social media is used to verify personal narratives and identity. Entry may be denied if information on social media accounts does not prove a fear of persecution.

During Investigations or Enforcement Operations

ICE and DHS can use social media to gather evidence for immigration fraud, unauthorized work, or visa overstays. Visa or green card revocation and deportation are two possible consequences.

DHS Social Media Monitoring

What Is DHS Looking For?

Officers are trained to look for specific types of information that may raise a red flag.

• Security concerns. Posts expressing support for terrorism, violence, or extremist ideologies.
• Fraud indicators. Inconsistencies between public posts and application information, such as employment, travel history, and marital status.
• Immigration violations. Posts that indicate unauthorized work, illegal entry, or overstay.
• Criminal behavior. Anything suggesting drug use, gang affiliation, or criminal behavior.

Social media concerns are not to be the sole evidence used for decisions on whether or not to allow an immigrant into the U.S.; other evidence must corroborate the findings.

USCIS Background Checks: Social Media

If you’re applying for a visa, green card, or naturalization, being cautious about your social media activity is crucial. Assume that all of your publicly available social media activity is being evaluated by immigration officials, and ensure that it aligns with the information stated on your immigration application.

Tips for Immigrants

• Review your profiles. Make sure your employment history, marital status, and education details match the information stated on your immigration application.
• Avoid jokes and sarcasm that could be misinterpreted.
• Don’t post about illegal activity, even if joking or referencing someone else.
• Limit political commentary, especially if discussing violence, revolutions, or extremist groups.
• Be careful with group memberships that could raise red flags.
• Don’t falsify or hide accounts.

An Immigration Attorney Can Help With Social Media Access and Immigration

Social media vetting in immigration is a reality that is here to stay. Given social media’s complexities and potential implications in immigration, it’s advisable to consult an immigration lawyer to understand your rights and options.

If you’re concerned with how your online presence will affect your immigration status, contact our office for a confidential consultation.

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