U.S. government to "scrutinize" immigrants' social networks

The United States announced a new protocol that will allow the online review of the content of applicants for visas, residency and other immigration benefits.

The measure is already in effect and will apply to any foreigner attempting to regularize his or her status with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Even if they are already living legally in the country.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) informed that officials in charge of immigration processes may consider certain publications or interactions on social networks as a "negative factor". The objective, according to the authorities, is to strengthen the eligibility criteria in accordance with national security interests.

What will the authorities review?

The new procedure allows for the examination of posts, "likes," comments, shared photos or any digital activity related to topics that may be considered contrary to U.S. values or laws.

The so-called Fraud Prevention Units will be responsible for capturing digital evidence and storing it in applicants' files, even if the content is subsequently deleted by the user.

This policy will apply immediately to those applying for green cards, student visas or any immigration procedures related to academic institutions, scholarships or exchange programs.

Increased control over international students

The State Department also issued a parallel directive to its embassies and consulates. It instructs officials to carefully examine the social media history of student visa applicants.

The instructions detail that agents should save screenshots when potentially compromising information is identified, even if no formal charges are filed. This is to prevent requesters from deleting the content and then claiming it never existed.

Specific review of sensitive content

From now on, it will be sufficient for an official to consider that the immigrant has directly or indirectly supported positions considered hostile to the United States for that criterion to influence the final decision.

The policy has raised concerns among immigration lawyers, who warn about the ambiguous use of the term "suspicious activity. Several experts warn that this new approach could lead to arbitrary or discriminatory decisions.

Immediate impact on universities

The government has already begun to revoke visas for students at U.S. institutions. Especially those who have participated in protests or expressed controversial opinions on platforms such as X, Instagram or TikTok.

Cases such as that of Mahmoud Khalil, a graduate student at Columbia University, have attracted attention. Khalil was arrested and accused of having links to banned organizations, although his lawyers claim that this is an exaggerated interpretation of personal publications.

The announcement coincides with the Trump administration's decision to cut funding to universities that - according to the White House - have not taken strong action against certain types of speech on their campuses.