Introduction
Since returning to power for the second time, Donald Trump’s administration has taken a hardline stance on immigration policies, further intensifying America’s political divide. One of the latest moves by the administration includes a proposal to increase social media scrutiny for green card holders and asylum seekers in the United States.
New Social Media Policy for Green Card Holders
The Trump administration is planning to extend an existing policy that requires visa applicants to disclose their social media accounts. Under this new proposal, green card holders and asylum seekers applying for permanent residency would also be required to provide their social media handles to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The move is seen as part of a broader immigration crackdown.
Impact on Indian Green Card Holders
Many Indian professionals and students living legally in the U.S. could be affected by this change. The policy could discourage individuals from freely expressing their opinions on social media due to the fear of government scrutiny. This measure raises concerns about potential discrimination, as it may allow the administration to bar critics from obtaining permanent residency or asylum in the country.
Reason Behind the Policy Change
On March 5, the Trump administration announced the proposal and invited public comments. The USCIS cited the need for “enhanced identity verification, national security screening, and vetting.” According to officials, collecting social media identifiers will help determine potential threats and strengthen security measures in the immigration process.
How Green Card Holders Will Be Affected
Previously, only visa applicants outside the U.S. were required to provide their social media details. The proposed change would extend this requirement to those already residing legally in the country.
Key concerns for green card holders and asylum seekers include:
- Fear of being targeted for political opinions shared on social media.
- Increased government surveillance and potential rejection of applications based on online activity.
- Uncertainty regarding privacy rights and freedom of speech for immigrants.
Trump’s Broader Immigration Crackdown
Since taking office for the second time, Trump has intensified his crackdown on immigration. On January 20, he signed an executive order directing federal agencies to collaborate in tackling illegal immigration, calling it an “invasion.”
The administration has linked immigration to crime, gang violence, and drug trafficking—claims not fully supported by government statistics. Law enforcement agencies have begun conducting aggressive raids, targeting undocumented immigrants and enforcing stricter policies on legal residents.
Conclusion
The proposed social media policy marks another step in Trump’s strict immigration reforms. While officials argue that the move enhances national security, critics view it as a way to suppress free speech and create additional hurdles for immigrants, including thousands of Indians legally living in the U.S. The coming weeks will determine whether this proposal becomes a new reality for green card holders and asylum seekers.
