DHS Proposes Policy to Collect Social Media Usernames On Immigration Applications

DHS Proposes Policy to Collect Social Media Usernames On Immigration Applications
The Department of Homeland Security has proposed a new rule to begin collecting social media usernames on various types of immigration applications, including naturalization. The proposed rule is expected to begin in 2020. Applicants will be required to provide their usernames for all the social media platforms they use. The Department of State has already been requiring applicants for visas provide this information. As part of its security or background check of applicants, DHS is currently using social media to vet applicants. However, the department has stated that it requires too much manpower to vet applicants without knowing their usernames. As such, this new policy is said to alleviate the workload.
In addition, the new policy will allow DHS to use fake social media accounts to vet applicants and to identify threats and detect fraud. There are concerns regarding privacy in using fake social media accounts. DHS will retain the information it obtains for the life of the law enforcement activities.
For more information about this new proposed policy, please contact our office for a free telephone consultation (15 minute) at 248-557-3645.
Sam R. Saif
Managing Attorney, Immigration Law Department
The Law Offices of Joumana Kayrouz, PLLC
phone: (248) 557-3645 fax: (248) 200-0645 email: sam@wordpress-388761-3181353.cloudwaysapps.com
1000 Town Center, Suite 800 Southfield, MI 48075

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