Indians seeking US green cards, visas may need to share social media handles: Report
By CNBCTV18.com
March 7, 2025 | 5:31:46 PM IST (Published)
Indian nationals applying for US green cards may need to share social media handles as part of their immigration application, with authorities reviewing online activity for security risks.
If you are seeking a green card to the United States, you may need to be cautious about what you share on social media. Indian nationals applying for a green card may soon be required to provide their social media handles as part of their immigration application, according to a new report.
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced plans to gather this information from around 3.5 million immigrants each year, including Indians seeking green cards, citizenship, and other benefits, reported Business Standard.
For Indians, particularly those in STEM professions, H-1B aspirants, and entrepreneurs seeking EB-5 or business visas, the change may influence how immigration authorities evaluate online interactions. Even casual posts or private chats could potentially impact visa application decisions, the report stated.
The public has 60 days to comment on the plan, and the DHS will consider the responses before deciding whether to implement, modify, or withdraw the rule, the outlet further added.
Under President Trump's Executive Order 14161, signed in January 2025, the DHS aims to strengthen immigration screening procedures. The executive order instructs federal agencies to assess visa and immigration procedures for security concerns.
The proposed rule would require applicants to submit their social media handles on nine key immigration forms. The focus is to verify identities and assess risks related to national security and public safety.
The new rule will apply to the following forms
- N-400 (Application for Naturalisation)
- I-131 (Application for Travel Document)
- I-192 (Application for Advance Permission to Enter as Nonimmigrant)
- I-485 (Application for Adjustment of Status)
- I-589 (Application for Asylum)
- I-590 (Registration for Classification as Refugee)
- I-730 (Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition)
- I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence)
- I-829 (Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status)
Expert insights from XIPHIAS Immigration
According to Varun Singh, MD of XIPHIAS Immigration,
“Online behaviour will be under the microscope, with authorities potentially reviewing posts, comments, and interactions that may seem harmless but could raise flags under stricter US policies.”
He also highlighted the risks of misinterpreting seemingly innocent online content, saying,
“A casual remark or an outdated opinion could now be misinterpreted, potentially affecting visa approvals.”
The USCIS will review social media activity for fraud detection, security threats, relationship verification, employment verification, identity verification, character assessment, immigration violations, and consistency.
How Indian applicants can prepare
To minimise the risk of complications, Indian applicants are advised to:
- Review their social media history.
- Maintain consistency across applications.
- Be mindful of online associations.
- Think carefully before posting.
- Seek expert guidance.
