A proposed immigration policy could mandate that individuals applying for U.S. citizenship or immigration benefits provide their social media handles for review. This move aligns with former President Donald Trump’s broader push for stricter border policies and increased scrutiny of legal immigration processes.
USCIS Opens Public Comment Period on Proposed Social Media Disclosure Rule
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has initiated a 60-day public comment period on the proposed change, which would require applicants to disclose their social media accounts as part of their immigration benefit applications. The policy would apply to individuals already residing in the U.S., including those applying for green cards, naturalization, asylum, refugee status, and family-based immigration benefits. According to USCIS estimates, the policy could impact approximately 3.5 million individuals.
Expansion of Existing Social Media Screening Policies
The U.S. State Department already enforces a policy requiring five years of social media history for foreign nationals applying for visas before entering the U.S. However, the new proposal would extend this requirement to individuals already living in the country, including longtime Green Card holders and visa holders seeking status adjustments.
“This could affect individuals who have lived in the U.S. for decades, chilling their freedom of speech online,” said Saira Hussain, a senior staff attorney at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, in an interview with Newsweek. “People may feel hesitant to express their opinions out of fear that it could impact their immigration status.”
USCIS Justifies the Policy as a National Security Measure
According to the policy filing, USCIS argues that collecting social media identifiers would strengthen identity verification, national security screenings, and public safety inspections. The agency views the policy as a way to modernize the immigration system while implementing more rigorous vetting procedures.
The proposal also references a Trump-era executive order, titled “Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats,” which called for increased scrutiny of visa applicants. The administration’s broader immigration agenda included mass deportations, limiting asylum applications at the southern border, and restricting sanctuary cities.
Public Comments Open Until May 5
The proposed policy change is open for public feedback until May 5. Those interested in submitting comments can do so through the Federal eRulemaking Portal by searching for e-Docket ID: USCIS-2025-0003.
For further details and official updates, visit the USCIS website.
