US to check visa applicant's social media through fake accounts; Facebook says NO!
If you are applying for a US visa including H1-B worker visa, you will now have to furnish all your social media accounts. The US Department of Homeland Security has initiated a process of obtaining social media identification (user name or handle).
A notice was published in the Federal Register on September 4. The US government has asked people to send in their suggestions over the next 60 days.
Taking the process of social media identification to another level, the US Department of Homeland Security has now decided to check the applicant's social media handle before granting visa or citizenship.
As per reports, each applicant needs to list the social media platforms they have used in the last 5 years in their visa application.
The new rules will also apply to green-card seekers who are already living in the USA.
Even green-card holders who are applying for a re-entry permit will have to show their social media handles.
US to use fake social media to check people entering country
Earlier, AP report said that, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officers can create fictitious social media accounts to monitor social media information on foreigners seeking visas, green cards and citizenship.
An updated Homeland Security Department review of potential privacy issues dated July 2019 that was posted online on Friday essentially reversed a prior ban on officers creating fake profiles.
Also Read | Legislation to protect work authorisation of spouses of H1-B visa holders introduced in US Congress
