**New Immigration Proposal May Mandate Social Media Disclosure from Applicants**
A forthcoming immigration initiative under consideration may necessitate that future U.S. citizens reveal their social media accounts for assessment. This move is in line with former President Donald Trump’s overarching strategy to enhance border safety and enforce stricter regulations on lawful immigration.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has launched a 60-day window for public comments regarding the suggested policy modification. Should it be enacted, this rule would obligate applicants for green cards, naturalization, asylum, refugee status, and the relatives of asylees or refugees to provide their social media handles as part of their immigration submissions. According to *The Verge*, USCIS approximates that around 3.5 million individuals could be impacted by this regulation.
### Broadened Scope of Current Social Media Evaluation
At present, the U.S. State Department requires foreign nationals applying for visas to disclose their social media activity for the past five years before they can enter the nation. However, this new policy would expand the requirement to those already in the U.S. seeking to change or update their immigration status.
Saira Hussain, a senior staff attorney at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, voiced worries regarding the potential implications of the policy on free expression. In a conversation with *Newsweek*, she highlighted that the rule might deter long-term residents—many of whom may have been in the country for many years—from sharing their views online due to the fear of governmental oversight.
### Rationale and Concerns for National Security
USCIS claims that gathering social media information will improve identity verification and bolster national security strategies. The agency indicated in its policy documentation that the added scrutiny would assist in modernizing the immigration process and enhancing public safety.
The proposal also alludes to a recent executive order issued by the Trump administration titled *”Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats.”* This order seeks to intensify scrutiny in the visa application procedure, consistent with the administration’s wider immigration agenda, which includes mass deportations, rapid asylum bans at the southern border, and initiatives to curb the influence of sanctuary cities.
### Public Feedback Period Open Until May 5
The suggested policy is available for public input until May 5. Citizens can submit their comments via the [Federal eRulemaking Portal](https://www.regulations.gov) by searching for the e-Docket ID number: USCIS-2025-0003.
As discussions about immigration policy proceed, this proposal brings forth crucial considerations regarding privacy, freedom of speech, and the delicate balance between safety and civil liberties.