The New Watchtowers: Increased Social Media Vetting by the U.S. Government

Watch out.

Recent developments indicate a significant expansion under the Trump Administration in how U.S. authorities are using social media to vet visa applicants. What was not previously a normal part of the review process for a visa or for a USCIS petition or application is now moving front and center. This will particularly affect certain visa categories, but there are implications for all.

What's Changed? A Look at Recent Directives

Based on recent reports and government communications, including a Department of State (DOS) cable in March 2025, there's a clear directive to consular posts to enhance social media screening. Initially, this heightened scrutiny appears to be targeting F, M, and J student and exchange visitor visas, with DOS even instructing posts to limit new appointments for these categories to implement expanded vetting procedures.

Key Finding: In March 2025, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that he had personally approved the revocation of over 300 student visas based on enhanced social media screening. This signals an unprecedented and serious commitment to an expanded scope and level of scrutiny.

Furthermore, a program dubbed "Catch and Revoke," reportedly launched in April 2025, utilizes AI tools to scan visa holders' social media accounts. As of early April, this initiative had already led to the revocation of hundreds of F-1 student visas, with social media content being a primary factor.

Who is Being Scrutinized and Why?

The March 2025 DOS cable outlined specific criteria for referring F, M, or J visa applicants for a mandatory social media review:

Applicants who consular officers believe have "openly advocated for a designated foreign terrorist organization."
Individuals previously in F-1, M-1, or J-1 status in the U.S. between October 7, 2023, and August 31, 2024.
Those whose prior SEVIS record was terminated on October 7, 2023, or later.

Consular officers are instructed to take screenshots of social media profiles and store them as evidence. Denials can occur if an applicant doesn't show that their intended activities in the U.S. are consistent with their visa classification (thereby triggering a 214(b) denial), or if there are concerns about inadmissibility, such as support for a terrorist organization under INA 212(a)(3)(B) (triggering a denial and an ineligibility that could be lifelong).

But it doesn't stop there. The cable also instructs that content falling short of "terrorist activity" can still be used to assess an applicant's credibility. Even expressing a "hostile attitude toward U.S. citizens or U.S. culture (including government, institutions, or founding principles)" could lead to visa denial or visa revocation.

A Surprising Twist: Secretary Rubio has also indicated that a lack of social media presence can be a red flag, potentially prompting additional scrutiny or denial. The rationale seems to be that an absence of an online footprint might be an attempt to hide something.

This means that whether you're an active social media user or prefer to stay offline, your digital (or non-digital) persona is under the microscope. While the initial focus is on student visas, the underlying message and the tools being developed suggest a broader application across visa categories is likely under the Trump Administration. For my clients in business immigration—be it an H-1B professional, an L-1 transferee, or an O-1 individual of extraordinary ability—the principles of maintaining an unproblematic online presence are more critical than ever.

So, what does this mean for you, the visa applicant? It means you need to be proactive and meticulous about your online presence. Here’s what I advise my clients at Locke Immigration Law, and what you should consider:

Treat your social media history like you would your resume before a job interview. Review all your profiles (Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, TikTok, Telegram, WhatsApp channels, and any other platforms). Look at past posts, photos, videos, comments you've made, pages you've liked, and groups you're a member of.

What to look for: Anything that could be misinterpreted, appears to contradict your visa application, expresses extremist views, promotes violence, or shows hostility towards the U.S. or its values.
Action: Delete or make private any questionable content. However, be aware that authorities might still access deleted or private content through various means. The goal is to present the least controversial version of yourself.

2. Honesty and Transparency are Non-Negotiable

Visa application forms (DS-160 for nonimmigrant visas like the F-1 or DS-260 for immigrant visas) now routinely ask for your social media handles from the past five years.

Crucial Point: You need to provide accurate and complete information. Omitting handles or providing false information can lead to visa denial or even permanent ineligibility (if the consular officer finds that you've committed material fraud). Consular officers can and do cross-reference this information.

3. Align Your Online Persona with Your Visa Intent

Your social media should be consistent with the purpose of your U.S. visit.

For example: If you're applying for an H-1B visa as a software engineer, posts suggesting you intend to work anywhere other than your petitioning employer could raise red flags. If you're an E-2 investor, your online presence should ideally align with your business activities and entrepreneurial spirit. For O-1 visa applicants, showcasing your extraordinary ability professionally online can be beneficial, but ensure it doesn’t contradict other aspects of your application.
Inconsistencies are major red flags. What you write in your DS-160 application, what you say to the consular officer, and whatever the consular officer can dig up about you online all must be consistent - and must not contradict each other.

This is critical. Refrain from posting, sharing, or endorsing content that:

Supports unlawful activities or violence.
Expresses hostility towards the U.S., its institutions, or its people.
Relates to extremist groups, hate speech, or political violence.
Could be deemed anti-Semitic.

Remember, humor and sarcasm can be easily lost in translation or misinterpreted by officials reviewing your profile. And although what you post may be protected speech in your country and in the United States, that doesn't mean it can't be held against you in a visa adjudication.

5. Privacy Settings: A Useful Tool, Not an Impenetrable Shield

While it's wise to maximize your privacy settings, don't assume this makes your content invisible to immigration authorities. They may have ways to access information, especially if concerns are raised. Assume anything you post could potentially be seen, even after you delete it.

6. Cultivate a Consistent and Professional Image

Social media professionals recommend using your real name, a professional photo (where appropriate, like LinkedIn), and clear, positive language in your bios and posts.

Tip: For professionals and individuals of extraordinary ability, a well-maintained LinkedIn profile showcasing your achievements can be a positive asset. Make sure the current U.S. job you list there is completely consistent with what the U.S. government has approved you to do (for example, the same company, job title, and worksite as were included in your H-1B petition).

7. Monitor Your Digital Footprint and Email Regularly

Periodically review your profiles and tagged content. If a visa is revoked, an email should be sent to the email address you used during the visa application process. Make sure to check this email account regularly, especially if you are awaiting a visa decision or are already in the U.S.

8. When in Doubt, Seek Expert Advice

If you're unsure about how your social media might be perceived, or if you have a complex online history, consulting with an experienced immigration attorney is a prudent step. As someone who has navigated consular processes from both sides (as a former consular officer and now representing immigration clients), I can help you assess potential risks and strategize accordingly.

What If Issues Arise?

The Department of State has revised its Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM) concerning visa revocations (9 FAM 403.11-5) and the physical cancellation of visas. While some details are still marked "unavailable," the trend is clear: the DOS is refining its processes for denying and revoking visas based on new screening criteria.

For visa holders already in the U.S., consular officers are generally barred from revoking a visa. However, the Department of State itself (specifically the Visa Office of Screening, Analysis, and Coordination) holds this authority. If your visa is revoked while you are in the U.S., the Department may inform the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to potentially initiate removal proceedings. The situation for students whose SEVIS records were wrongfully terminated and later restored through litigation remains uncertain regarding their visa validity. This is an evolving area. If you fall into this category, staying updated and seeking legal counsel is crucial.

Key Takeaways & Your Action Plan

The landscape of U.S. visa applications is changing rapidly under the Trump Administration. The U.S. government no longer considers your social media presence inconsequential; checking it is quickly becoming an integral part of the visa adjudication process.

Key Takeaways:

Heightened Scrutiny is Here: The U.S. government is actively expanding social media vetting for visa applicants, leading to denials and revocations (and backlog, since all of this will take longer to do without extra funding or staff).
Content Matters: Posts inconsistent with the purpose of your visa, expressing hostility, or linked to controversial topics can jeopardize your visa application.
Absence Can Be a Flag: A complete lack of social media might also trigger suspicion.
All Visa Applicants Should Be Prepared: While current specific directives highlight student visas, the underlying principles and tools may soon impact more visa types.

Your Immediate Action Plan:

Audit: Review all your social media accounts now and consider whether there is anything you would not be happy for your visa adjudicator to see.
Disclose: Be honest and thorough in your visa application - don't hide your social media handles.
Align: Ensure your online content is consistent with your stated visa purpose.
Sanitize (Wisely): Delete or make private any problematic content, but understand its potential discoverability.
Monitor: Regularly check your email for any communication from DOS and keep an eye on your online presence.

Navigating U.S. immigration law, especially with these new layers of scrutiny, can feel overwhelming. As an attorney focused on creative solutions for complex immigration challenges, including those faced by H-1B workers, individuals with extraordinary abilities (O-1, EB-1, NIW), and businesses needing robust immigration strategies, I understand the anxieties this can create. If you have concerns about your social media presence or any aspect of your U.S. visa application, please don't hesitate to reach out. At Locke Immigration Law, we are committed to providing clear, empathetic, and expert guidance to help you achieve your immigration goals.