- Would-be immigrants to submit social media account, email and phone numbers for the past 5 years
- Rule to affect around 14.7 million people each year
- New rule to be part of the immigrant screening process
Social media do’s and don’ts for US immigration. Don’t get surprised, and be ready to fork over your social media account, if you want to get a USA vis.
People wanting to migrate to the USA, study or work in the USA will now not only have to submit documents showing that they have substantial financial backing, a job, etc. but will also have to submit details about their online presence or your social media accounts.
In the latest change to the US immigration policy, the State Department has said that almost all immigrants will have to submit their social media names, email addresses and phone numbers from the past 5 years.
The rule was initially proposed in 2018 and stands to affect around 14.7 million people annually. This applies to everyone moving to the USA as students or on work visas but certain official and diplomatic visa applicants will be exempted from it.
Before the rule was brought out, only visa applicants from countries controlled by terrorist groups needed to submit this data.
Social Media Do’s And Don’ts For US Immigration
In view of the extreme vetting proposed by the US immigration offices, to-be immigrants will need to be careful about how they manage their social media accounts. Here are a few social media do’s and don’ts for US immigration:
The List of Do’s
1. Do be Careful Who You Befriend
A large friend group is not always the best idea. Befriend people online only if you know them personally and can vouch for them. Having a person in your friend group with a questionable background can make you look questionable too.
2. Be Consistent
If you have multiple accounts, be consistent across all of them in terms of your views. Your online persona should be the same on all platforms.
3. Be Polite
It isn’t enough to be careful about what you say, you must also pay attention to how you put your thoughts across. It is important to keep your content at a PG level and to not come across as offensive.
Do Keep a Check on Who Can Tag You
Your friends may tag you in an embarrassing photograph just for fun but this may project you in an unflattering light. Anything that is put up online can follow you around for a long time and hence be careful about what posts and pictures you’re tagged in.
The List Of Don’ts
1. Don’t Forward Without Verifying
When you forward an article or a post by someone else you are saying that you agree with what is written. Hence, be careful of what you forward. Don’t just read the headline, read the entire article before posting it on your account. It is always a good idea to verify the facts contained in an article.
2. Don’t Overshare
There are some things that should be kept to one’s self. For example, putting up a post saying that you’ve started a new job is fine but badmouthing your last employee as a reason for quitting is not.
3. Don’t Get Into Social Media Wars
Everyone is entitled to their own opinions even if you do not agree with them. Resist the urge to get into Facebook or Twitter wars with people who you don’t agree with or with those who start an online argument with you. If you must reply, think carefully before posting.
4. Don’t Post When You’re Feeling Emotional
Once you’ve posted something online, it is virtually impossible to take it back. For this reason, stay away from social media when you’re tired, angry or upset and are likely to say things you’ll regret later.
Also See
- The Ultimate Moving Abroad Checklist
- Top 10 Mistakes International Students make in the USA and How to Avoid Them?
