Foreign nationals living in or seeking entry into the United States have been warned that their social media activity may now play a decisive role in immigration decisions, following the rollout of new screening and surveillance measures by US authorities.
The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State have introduced expanded programmes that review online posts linked to antisemitic activity, terrorism, or behaviour considered harmful to US foreign policy. Officials confirmed that findings from these reviews could result in visa revocations, denial of entry, or deportation proceedings.
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that the Department of Homeland Security has begun screening social media accounts as part of the review process for immigration benefits. The policy applies broadly across immigration categories, including F-1 students and F-2 dependents, J-1 exchange visitors and J-2 dependents, and nonimmigrant visa holders such as H-1B, TN, and O-1 workers. It also covers ESTA travellers under the WB and WT classifications, individuals granted Temporary Protected Status or DACA, applicants for affirmative immigration relief, and even lawful permanent residents.
According to DHS officials, monitoring focuses on content deemed antisemitic, including harassment of Jewish individuals, support for antisemitic terrorism, violent ideologies, or associations with groups such as Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, and Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthis. Media reports indicate that enforcement actions linked to these screenings have already included refusal of admission at ports of entry, detention, and the initiation of deportation proceedings.
Separately, the Department of State is operating a visa surveillance initiative known as “Catch and Revoke.” The programme relies on AI-assisted reviews of tens of thousands of visa holders’ social media accounts to identify political activity or conduct considered detrimental to US foreign policy interests. Under the department’s prudential revocation authority, visas have been revoked based on suspected ineligibility, including derogatory information shared by other government agencies.
Officials noted that revocations under this programme have not been limited to antisemitic content. In some cases, arrests or convictions for offences such as driving under the influence have also triggered action, even when cases were resolved through deferred adjudication or pardon.
Some foreign nationals affected by the programme reported receiving emails informing them that their visas had been revoked and urging them to leave the country voluntarily. The messages warned that remaining in the United States could lead to arrest and formal deportation.
Authorities stressed that visa revocation does not automatically terminate lawful immigration status. However, in certain circumstances, it may serve as a basis for removal proceedings or complicate future applications.
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Legal experts have urged foreign nationals to exercise caution in their online activity. They warn that posts, reposts, comments, and even “likes” may be interpreted out of context by government reviewers. Experts also recommend reviewing the contents of electronic devices and seeking legal advice if there have been any past arrests or convictions, regardless of whether they were dismissed or pardoned.
As the United States expands digital surveillance in immigration enforcement, officials say the message is clear: online behaviour is no longer separate from immigration status, and what appears on social media can now carry real legal consequences.
