U.S. immigration officials are proposing to collect social media handles from applicants for green cards and citizenship to comply with President Trump's executive order aimed at national security. This proposal has alarmed immigration and free speech advocates as it extends social media monitoring to individuals already residing legally in the U.S., such as asylum seekers. Although social media monitoring is not a new practice, its broadening scope raises serious concerns about privacy rights. The public has until May 5 to comment on this 60-day proposal, which seeks uniform vetting standards.
The current proposal signifies a significant expansion of social media surveillance, extending beyond entry applicants to those already in the U.S. seeking benefits.
Social media monitoring by immigration officials is not new; it has been practiced for over a decade, intensifying during Trump's administration.
The Department of Homeland Security's new plan, compliant with Trump's executive order, is soliciting public feedback on broadening social media data collection.
Advocates argue that requiring social media information raises serious concerns about privacy and free speech rights for applicants already living legally in the U.S.
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