Social Media Posts and Immigration in the United States
For many years, the use of social media evidence has become standard practice across courts in the United States. This evidence may be used in criminal trials, divorce cases, and yes – immigration cases as well. In fact, the use of social media is becoming a major talking point in the United States, as many migrants are now being held accountable for their social media posts. If you’re trying to settle within the United States, it may be prudent to carefully avoid making certain comments or admissions on social media. It might also be a good idea to avoid social media altogether in some situations.
ICE May Check Your Social Media Posts
Over the past few months, it has become clear that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) may conduct in-depth investigations into migrants and immigrants attempting to settle in the United States. These investigations may involve searching through an individual’s online history – including past social media posts. Many people are somewhat oblivious to the fact that these posts are publicly-accessible to anyone with an internet connection – including immigration authorities.
ICE now uses a system called “Giant Oak Search Technology” to facilitate these searches. Also known as “GOST,” this system involves the use of algorithms to automatically “crawl” social media posts for content that might be noteworthy. GOST is part of a larger program called the PATRIOT Social Media Program – which was enacted back in 2016. Under this program, authorities may use social media to determine all kinds of information:
- An individual’s whereabouts
- Their political views
- Potential crimes
- Their work activities
- Potential marriage fraud
The implications are tremendous, and authorities may search for a wide range of different information depending on the unique factors associated with each migrant. These factors may involve specific requirements and regulations associated with different visas.
ICE May Use Face Social Media Accounts to Catch People
Not only is ICE searching through social media pages in an effort to catch violators of immigration laws, but they might also be using fake social media accounts in order to achieve this goal. A recent report by The Guardian shows that ICE has created numerous “fake accounts” that may be used to impersonate other immigrants or offer migrants opportunities to engage in immigration fraud. ICE has already used this strategy to catch several students who mistakenly incriminated themselves in regards to student visa fraud.
Where Can I Find an Immigration Attorney in Palm Beach County?
If you’ve been searching for an experienced immigration attorney in Palm Beach County, look no further than the Devore Law Group. While it’s true that your social media posts may lead to legal consequences, you can fight for your rights effectively with help from an immigration attorney. Book your consultation today to receive important guidance as you strive to create a new home in the United States.
Sources:
newsmax.com/newsfront/ice-social-media-immigrants/2023/10/24/id/1139454/
theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/05/us-immigration-homeland-security-social-media-fake-profiles
