USCIS Increases Usage of Social Media Vetting

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is updating its policy manual regarding the factors its officers consider in adjudicating immigration applications.  Going forward, USCIS officers will consider “any involvement in anti-American or terrorist organizations, as well as … evidence of antisemitic activity ….”

Importantly, USCIS has expanded social media vetting to look for what it considers “anti-American activity”.  USCIS has expressed its opinion that “America’s benefits should not be given to those who despise the country and promote anti-American ideologies. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is committed to implementing policies and procedures that root out anti-Americanism and supporting the enforcement of rigorous screening and vetting measures to the fullest extent possible.”

Given the increasing use of social media vetting in immigration cases, applicants should carefully manage their digital presence and avoid posting controversial views that may be viewed as “anti-American” or antisemitic.

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