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.

Who Does the New Public Charge Rule Impact?

March 19, 2020
Immigration & Naturalization Law, Public Benefits & Public Charge Rule

In a previous article (The New Public Charge Rule – Effective February 24, 2020), we advised you that U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) implemented the “new public rule”, effective February 24, 2020.

We further advised that with some exceptions, the new rule will impact two types of applicants, if they file on or after February 24, 2020:

Applicants for admission or adjustment of status to that of a lawful permanent resident, and
Applicants for extension of nonimmigrant stay or change of nonimmigrant status.

Not all applicants in the foregoing two categories are subject to the public charge rule. The most common exceptions are:

Asylees and Refugees
Applicants for U or T Nonimmigrant Status
VAWA Self-Petitioners
Special Immigrant Juveniles
Applicants seeking Temporary Protected Status
Applicants under the Cuban Adjustment Act

If you have any questions about the “public charge policy” or any other immigration matter, contact our attorneys at the Law Offices of Azita M. Mojarad, P.C. Our experienced immigration attorneys can advise you on what actions to take to avoid jeopardizing your ability to obtain the immigration benefits you seek.

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.