The vast majority of adults in America and around the world use some type of social media. While it can be a great way to help you connect with friends and family and have some fun, the things that you say on it can come back to haunt you later. Social media posts can be used in a variety of court cases, from divorce to child custody. Here is what you should know about the ways that social media could impact your immigration case.
Does USCIS Look at Social Media Accounts?
Yes, USCIS will take a look at any and all social media accounts that they can find for you. They can use a broad variety of public information available on many platforms, including Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, and more. They will not necessarily comb through your posts one by one, but instead look for specific information that may impact your immigration case, like:
- Threats to national security
- Fraudulent activity
- Unauthorized employment
- Information that is counter to your background check or application
- Marriage fraud
Depending on what you post, it may be considered grounds for inadmissibility.
Can You Hide Your Social Media Accounts?
As part of the application process, you will be asked to disclose your current social media accounts. They will not ask for your password or login information. Instead, they will ask for your social media usernames within the past five years. If you do not disclose this information or lie about it, you may receive an unfavorable outcome for your immigration case.
What Happens If They Find Posts They Are Concerned About?
The nature of posts on your social media account may lead USCIS to flag some of them. Because no two cases are alike, your outcome may vary. For example, if the government believes that you have participated in illicit activity, an investigation may be opened. In other cases, your immigration case may be referred to immigration court for removal proceedings if you are already in the United States and the nature of the fraud allows you to be removed. Additionally, if USCIS finds substantial evidence, they may forward it to a law enforcement agency for criminal prosecution.
How to Get Your Social Media Ready for Your Immigration Case
- Look through all of your social media accounts for anything that might appear to be inappropriate. It is much better to delete it and regret it than to not delete it and have poor outcomes in your immigration case.
- Any time someone comments on your posts, remember that this can also be viewed by USCIS. Delete any comments that appear suggestive or that imply you could have done something that USCIS would frown on.
- Delete any memes or videos that could appear to be offensive or violent.
- Do not accept friend requests from anybody that you don’t know.
- Consider making your social media accounts or any particularly sensitive posts on them private.
Learn More About the Immigration Process from The Law Office of Elizabeth Anu Lawrence
If you or a loved one are concerned about felony charges or other convictions that might jeopardize your immigration status, choose an experienced firm like the Law Office of Elizabeth Anu Lawrence to give you the help you need. Please give us a call at 443.352.3201. Skype and telephone consultation are both available to clients.