In today’s Internet era, your online profile seems more important than ever. Particularly if you live in the United States on a visa. Immigration agencies now check social media when considering immigration applications for processing, renewal, or a green card petition. You could also end up impacting how officials perceive your credibility, intent, or even eligibility, based on online posts.
At The Law Office of Olena Manilich, we educate our clients about the impact that social media can have on their immigration. So they don’t make mistakes that could cost them expensive and important opportunities.
Why Immigration Officers Review Social Media
Social media checks are used by U.S. immigration officers to verify the information in your application. They seek consistency in what you’ve publicly displayed online and what you have declared on your visa forms. For example, if you’re applying for a work visa and your online presence has you running a business you didn’t mention on your application, that could raise questions. The same goes if you write on social media about working while visiting on a tourist visa or make public statements that contradict your stated purpose of visit.
The Department of Homeland Security started expanding social media screening in recent years. It’s now part of multiple visa categories, including H-1B, L-1, and family-based petitions. Or they might scan through photos, comments, or public check-ins to verify who you’re connected to — or where you used to work.
To avoid anything similar happening to you, always ensure that your online profiles or internet activity truthfully represent your actual immigration status. If you’re not sure what might be misinterpreted, schedule a consultation with The Law Office of Olena Manilhc. Our immigration attorney will discuss your case before filing or renewing your application.
Real-Life Examples and Potential Costs
Consider an H-1B visa recipient who puts images depicting side gigs, possibly not related to what the government had cleared them for. Even if those activities are not harmful, immigration officers could view the activities as unauthorized employment. A misunderstanding about that explicitness could prompt questions, holdups — even a rejection of the renewal. Another example may be a K-1 fiancé visa applicant making jokes or sharing memes that they married for convenience. A single post that is meant as a joke, has the potential to result in dramatic consequences at your green card interview.
If your application is held up due to social media activity, you may require legal assistance in submitting a Request for Evidence (RFE). These problems can lead to $1,000 to $5,000 in legal fees and lost time, depending on the case. More severe measures — such as visa revocations — can result in travel restrictions and removal proceedings. At The Law Office of Olena Manilich, we assist clients in addressing these matters and avoiding expensive pitfalls.
How to Protect Your Immigration Status Online
Best way to stay safe: think before you post. Do not provide information that may cause misinformation in regards to your visa status. Keep your privacy settings high, but know that private posts can occasionally be scraped if flagged on a background check. Do not delete old content during an open immigration case, it could look suspicious if authorities have recorded your profile already.
If you’re unsure whether anything on your social media could potentially cause problems, get advice before you apply for a visa. Our team at The Law Office of Olena Manilich regularly counsels clients on what to expect for interviews. Contact us today. We can tell you what not to do and how to make a clear, honest presentation of your information.
Staying Prepared and Informed
Social media surveillance is here to stay — it’s now just one more thing that gets normalized in the process of immigration. Remaining well-informed and careful when online can safeguard your immigration process and future opportunities in the U.S.
If you are on a visa in the US at this time or about to apply, schedule a consultation with The Law Office of Olena Manilich. Our experienced NYC immigration attorneys can assist you in preparing a strong, accurate application. Do not wait until it’s too late to protect your future and your peace of mind.
