US Department Of Homeland Security To Check Immigrants Social Media Accounts; How It Can Affect You

Starting on Wednesday, October 18, the US government will increase the collection of data from social media of foreign citizens when they enter the nation. The Department of Homeland Security's measure will allow the federal government to collect and use information published on social networks to decide the future of a migrant case.

According to Univision, an immigration lawyer working in Miami, Florida, warned that if a person goes to the United States under the Waiver program, without a visa, and the agent asks the motive of the visit, and finds that the person posted that they will move to California for example, then the person will be denied to entry because the Waiver only allows stays up to a maximum of 90 days.

They also reported that through this measure, the government could learn more data, including permanent citizens and legal residents, and according to the result, they can make decisions that will have a lifelong impact, such as granting permanent legal residence to a family member or denying it.

The new regulation states that the various agencies of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office, the Customs and Border Control Office, and the Office of Citizenship and Immigration Services will have access to all this information. Including foreigners, who entered lawfully, permanent legal residents and naturalized US citizens.

The DHS further says that surveillance will serve to prevent people from fraudulently obtaining immigration benefits and deny applications from individuals posing threats to national security or public safety. The proposal ensures that all information will be stored in a classified electronic network.

• Persons subject to surveillance under the new rules:

1. ​Naturalized US citizens.
2. Permanent legal residents.
3. Any individual applying for an immigration benefit under the Immigration Law (INA) on behalf of another person.
4. Persons acting as legal guardians or designated representatives in immigration proceedings involving a person who has a physical or developmental disability or mental disability (as authorized by the INA).
5. Persons receiving benefits under the Immigration Law (INA).
6. Persons who are subject to the provisions of the Immigration Law (INA).
7. Persons who are subject to the INA or are under investigation for possible threats to public safety.
8. People who were investigated by the DHS in the past.
9. Persons suspected of violating civilian provisions related to immigration treaties, statutes, regulations, executive orders or presidential proclamations administered by the DHS.
10. Witnesses and informants who are aware of such violations.
11. Relatives and associates of any of the persons mentioned above subject to the Immigration Law (INA).
12. People who have resigned the US citizenship.
13. Physicians authorized to certify clinical examinations for immigration benefits.
14. Law enforcement officials, who certify an applicant for cooperation in the investigation or prosecution of a criminal activity.
15. Managers or coaches who help an individual seeking an immigration benefit.
16. Interpreters who help a person seeking an immigration benefit.
17. Lawyers legal representatives recognized by the USCIS or accredited by the BIA.