New US Policy May Force Green Card Holders To Share Social Media Accounts | TDG Explainer

Green card holders in the United States may soon be required to disclose their social media accounts to the government as part of a new immigration policy proposed by the Trump administration. This move extends an existing rule that already mandates visa applicants abroad to provide their social media handles to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Under the proposed expansion, individuals residing legally in the US—including green card holders and asylum seekers applying for permanent residency—would also be subjected to similar scrutiny.

Potential Consequences for Indian Immigrants

The new policy could significantly impact Indian immigrants, many of whom are politically active both in India and the US. Critics argue that this increased level of monitoring could discourage individuals from expressing political opinions online due to fear of repercussions. Some also believe the policy may be used as a tool to limit dissent, potentially barring vocal critics from securing permanent residency.

Government’s Justification for the Policy

In a notice released on March 5, the Trump administration justified the proposed change by emphasizing national security concerns. The USCIS stated that collecting social media identifiers would aid in identity verification, public safety screening, and vetting processes. The administration insists that the move is essential to strengthening national security and ensuring better scrutiny of individuals seeking permanent residency.

A Continuation of Trump’s Immigration Crackdown

Since returning to office, President Donald Trump has reinforced his stringent immigration policies. On his first day back in power, he signed an executive order instructing federal agencies to combat what he termed an “invasion” of illegal immigrants. He has frequently linked undocumented immigration to crime and job shortages, despite contradicting statistics from government agencies. The recent move to monitor social media activity aligns with his broader strategy to tighten immigration controls and enforce stricter vetting processes.

Concerns Over Privacy and Free Speech

Civil rights advocates argue that the expanded vetting measures raise concerns over privacy violations and potential misuse of personal information. Many fear that government monitoring of social media activity could stifle free speech and disproportionately affect immigrants who engage in political discourse.

As the Trump administration seeks public comments on the proposal, the debate over balancing national security and personal freedoms continues. If implemented, the policy could reshape the immigration landscape for thousands of Indian green card holders and other legal residents in the US.