The US Will Now Ask Some Visa Applicants For Their Social Media Info
The U.S. State Department has rolled out a new questionnaire for visa applicants suspected of posing a threat to national security.
LEARN MOREHomeland Security Will Soon Collect Immigrants' Social Media Info
Similar programs have already been tested by both ICE and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Homeland Security Will Soon Collect Immigrants' Social Media Info
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Google
September 26, 2017
The Department of Homeland Security will soon start collecting social media and search result information on immigrants.
First reported by BuzzFeed, the new rule was originally published Sept. 18. It allows DHS to collect immigrants' "social media handles, aliases, associated identifiable information, and search results."
The policy would apply to green card holders, naturalized citizens, legal guardians of immigrants who have disabilities, and those involved in DHS national security or immigration-related investigations. BuzzFeed points out collecting that information could also affect anyone who has ever interacted or communicated with immigrants online.
Programs like this have already been tested by both ICE and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. But in February, the Office of Inspector General said those programs "lack criteria for measuring performance."
The new policy has already garnered criticism from lawyers and privacy advocates, and many question whether social media even helps with the vetting process.
The new policy is currently taking formal comments. It's set to take effect Oct. 18.
2:56
These young refugees are finding their way in America through soccer
Soccer Without Borders integrates language learning into soccer practices and provides a community for young refugees and immigrants.
By Scripps NewsOnline system to seek asylum in US is quickly overwhelmed
The daily ritual resembles a race for concert tickets when online sales begin for a major act.
By Elliot Spagat / AP6:29
Inside the chaotic system of New York's immigration services
Lack of information, guidance and a language barrier are just a few issues migrants face while waiting sometimes overnight in lines.
By Scripps NewsTop Stories
0:43
Mahomes, Hurts first Black quarterbacks to face off in a Super Bowl
Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes and Eagles QB Jalen Hurts will face off in Super Bowl LVII on Sunday, Feb. 12, with kickoff at 6:30 p.m. ET on Fox.
By AP1:49
WTKR: Scammers luring job hunters with fake remote jobs
The Federal Trade Commission shares warning signs as scammers are going to great lengths to get job seekers' personal information.
By ShutterstockDOJ files charges alleging 7,600 fake nursing diplomas were sold
The fake diplomas were issued by three Florida-based schools since 2016 at $15,000 each, netting them more than $114 million, the DOJ alleges.
By Storyblocks