The US is using social media to vet immigrants, with “problematic” posts potentially leading to denial or deportation. Is free speech at risk?
In 2025, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin using social media to vet immigrants.
President Trump's January 20th directive aims to tighten national security, with “problematic” online content potentially leading to denial or deportation. But what counts as “problematic,” and how will it impact freedom of speech?
The USCIS is expanding its vetting process to include immigrants’ social media posts, reported Newsweek. Applicants could be required to disclose all social media channels – similar to listing assets on an insurance form. The question is: what qualifies as “problematic content”?
Could something as simple as posting anarchist lyrics from a Mexican band result in denial? How will political opinions or ironic posts be interpreted?
Blurred red lines
This isn’t the first time social media has been used to screen immigrants. In 2017, Trump’s administration implemented the “extreme vetting” process, where applicants’ social media channels were scrutinized, alongside his controversial travel ban targeting predominantly Muslim countries.
However, in 2025, this policy extends to those already in the US with green cards, raising concerns about the chilling effect on free speech, particularly for those expressing political sentiments online.
Widening the net
A case from 2019 highlights the consequences of this policy. Ismail Ajjawi, a Palestinian student, was denied entry to the US because some of his friends had posted anti-US content.
Despite Ajjawi not posting anything himself, his friends’ opinions were enough to label him “questionable.” This exemplifies how the policy could affect individuals by association.
The 2025 legislation raises concerns about self-censorship. If immigrants and green card holders fear their online posts will lead to deportation, social media could become a platform of silence.
If other countries follow suit, it could signal the rise of more restrictive, authoritarian immigration policies, leading to over-policing and punishing dissent.
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