The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on March 4th that it will begin examining non-citizens’ social media, and the accounts of anyone trying to enter the country. They will also monitor the accounts of non-citizens applying for immigration benefits. The agency explained the move was necessary to meet President Trump’s directive to ramp up vetting and screening of incoming migrants.
The main goal of the policy is to identify possible national security threats. The executive order that prompted the USCIS to take these actions also calls for the probing of those already present in the US to ensure that they bare no ill will or hostility towards the United States, its people, government, culture or principles. Under this policy, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will have full authority immediately to expel non-citizens or deny individuals entry. Additionally, those who advocate or support individuals deemed foreign terrorists will also be targeted.
The last stipulation point has the farthest-reaching implications. Non-citizens’ social media that seem to support entities the government deems foreign terrorists will have their handlers immediately denied entry or deported. This new policy allows the government to deny individuals entry or deport them merely by association. While enacted to protect national security, this new policy could very easily be abused and utilized primarily to curtail the free speech of non-citizens.
As always, ILBSG actively monitors ongoing U.S. immigration news. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, contact us. Working with an experienced attorney ensures you get the right advice based on the most recent laws. In an ever-evolving immigration policy landscape, it’s particularly critical.
