If you are planning to enter the United States soon—whether to work, study, or even settle permanently—then you need to know about this major change. Starting in June 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will now require all immigration applicants to undergo a mandatory social media screening.
That means your past and current posts, likes, shares, and even who you follow online could be evaluated as part of your immigration process. According to officials, this new measure focuses specifically on identifying antisemitic content or any links to extremist groups.
This is not just a suggestion or a background check enhancement. It is now a core requirement—and failing it could result in immediate denial of your visa, green card, or student application.
Why is the U.S. checking social media accounts for immigration?
You may be asking yourself, “Why does my social media matter?” Well, here is the reason.
The U.S. government has become increasingly focused on national security and digital footprints. With Donald Trump back in office, immigration policies are tightening again. His administration argues that what you say or support online can reflect potential risks to American society.
This new rule aims to prevent the entry of individuals who may pose a threat by spreading hate speech, particularly antisemitic ideologies, or by supporting terrorist groups that align with such views. It is part of a wider effort to stop extremism before it crosses U.S. borders.
What kind of online activity can get you banned?
Let us get into what USCIS will actually look for. This is not just about what you say—it includes what you support, share, or even “like” on your social platforms. Some red flags that could raise concern include:
- Posts that express hatred toward Jewish communities or any other group.
- Support for terrorist organizations, especially those with antisemitic agendas.
- Memes, hashtags, or slogans that promote violence or radical views.
- Even retweeting or reposting controversial content without disclaimers.
The government is not playing around. They are taking these indicators very seriously, and unfortunately, even content from years ago could come back to haunt you.
How will USCIS monitor your social media?
You are probably wondering, “Are they really going to check all my posts?” The answer is: Yes, they can.
As part of the updated immigration forms, applicants may now be asked to submit all social media handles used over the last five years. This includes platforms like:
- Facebook
- Instagram
- X (formerly Twitter)
- TikTok
- YouTube
- LinkedIn
- And more
Immigration officers will then use software tools and manual review to flag any potentially harmful activity. If they find something suspicious, it could delay your application—or worse, lead to a flat-out rejection.
Who will be affected by this new immigration rule?
This new requirement applies to all foreign nationals trying to enter the United States legally, including:
- Students
- Workers on temporary visas
- Asylum seekers
- Green card applicants
- Family reunification cases
In other words, it does not matter why you are coming or where you are coming from—your social media history will be part of the decision-making process.
Officials confirmed that the policy is designed to prevent hate and extremist influence from gaining entry into the country. According to a spokesperson, “We are prioritizing the safety and values of the American people. No exceptions.”
What can you do to protect your application?
If you are serious about immigrating to the U.S., now is the time to clean up your online presence. Go through your profiles and remove any questionable posts or associations. Even if something was meant as a joke or shared without much thought, it could be taken out of context.
Take a few minutes to:
- Review your public profiles
- Remove anything that could be seen as offensive or extreme
- Avoid engaging with controversial content, especially related to religion or politics
This new policy is here, and it is strict. If your online behavior does not match U.S. values, your chances of getting approved will drop fast.
