Applicants for immigration benefits should be aware that the Office of Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS), within U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), monitors social networking sites as part of fraud investigations.

According to a 2008 USCIS memo, the Service is “instructing its agents to attempt to ‘friend’ green card petitioners and beneficiaries and citizenship applicants on social networks in the hope that these users will (perhaps inadvertently) allow agents to monitor their activities for evidence of suspected fraud, including evidence that their relationships might not live up to the USCIS’ standard of a legitimate marriage.”  Even without securing “friend” status, government agents may gain access to private accounts for electronic surveillance purposes by securing the cooperation of electronic service providers and telecommunications companies.

Foreign nationals should be cautious about what they post on social networking sites (e.g. Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Orkut, Classmates, blogs, etc.). Online mentions of casual drug use, previous arrests, sexual orientation, dating habits, dangerous liaisons, personal habits, and other behaviors may be viewed by government investigators and, even if the posting is false or in jest, may negatively impact an application for an immigration benefit.

PLEASE NOTE:  Immigration law and regulations change frequently. In order to protect yourself you should make sure that you understand the laws and how they apply to you.  If you have questions about your status, you should consult an expert. If you would like to be notified about recent changes to this website, or if you would like to receive Immigration Tips by email, please provide us with your email address. If you would like help from Ms. Chappell-Daly, please contact her.

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