Does USCIS check social media for immigration applications?

Yes, USCIS and the Department of State review publicly available social media profiles to verify information provided in visa and green card applications.

Do I have to provide my social media handles to USCIS?

Applicants for most immigrant and non-immigrant visas are required to provide their social media identifiers used on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for the past five years.

Can social media activity lead to a visa denial?

Yes, if social media content reveals inconsistencies with your application or provides evidence of fraud or security threats, it can lead to a denial.

Criminal Record Expungement/Sealing

October 26, 2015
Expungements

What is a Record Expungement?

When you petition to have your criminal record expunged, you are asking the court to physically destroy your record or to return the record to you, and to remove your name from any official index or public record. Expungement is only available for state, not federal, criminal records.

What is Record Sealing?

When you petition to have your criminal record sealed, you are asking the court to make it unavailable to the public and to remove your name from any official index or public record. This means that law enforcement agencies and the courts will still have access to the record, as will other entities and employers allowed by law or by court order. For example, if your employer obtains a court order, he/she may view the record. Thus, the record will still exist, but it will be much harder for governmental officials to view. Keep in mind, however, that since sealing your record removes it from the public record, your employer will have no reason to become suspicious of your criminal history and obtain a court order to view it.

For further details, please contact The Law Offices of Azita M. Mojarad, P.C.

Azita M. Mojarad

Azita M. Mojarad is the founder of the Law Offices of Azita M. Mojarad, P.C. For over 20 years, she has helped thousands of clients with immigration, divorce, criminal defense, and business law matters in Chicago and the greater Illinois area. She holds a J.D. from Loyola University Chicago School of Law and an M.B.A. from North Park University. Azita is AV Preeminent Rated by Martindale-Hubbell and recognized as a Leading Lawyer in Immigration and Divorce by the Leading Lawyers Network since 2012.