The Trump administration’s proposal to vet social media profiles of green card applicants already legally in the U.S. has been condemned in initial public feedback as an attack on free speech.
Visa applicants living abroad already have to share their social media handles with U.S.
USCIS said the vetting of social media accounts is necessary for “the enhanced identity verification, vetting and national security screening.”.
“Chilling Effect on Free Speech: The fear of government scrutiny of online expression will undoubtedly stifle free speech,” another comment read.
It follows the detention of green card holder Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate and protest organizer, labeled ‘pro-Hamas’ by the Trump administration.
“Collecting the social media identifiers of any potential green card applicants or citizens is the means to silencing their lawful speech.”.
As well as mass deportations, the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown has turned its attention to green card and visa holders in recent weeks. »
