Trump's Crackdown: Will Green Card Holders Lose Digital Privacy?

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- The Trump administration is considering a controversial new policy that would require Green Card holders and asylum seekers to disclose their social media accounts to the U.S. government.

The move, seen as an extension of the existing visa scrutiny policy, would impact millions of legal residents, including many Indians and other immigrants who have built lives in the United States. Critics argue that this could stifle free speech, discourage political activism, and even be used to bar government critics from securing permanent residency.

The proposal, announced in a notice released on March 5, is currently open for public comment. The administration justifies the policy as necessary for“national security screening”, but opponents warn it could be a tool for ideological policing.

Social Media Monitoring: From Visa Applicants to Green Card Holders

Under a 2019 policy introduced by Trump during his first term, visa applicants from abroad were required to disclose their social media handles to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as part of their background checks. The new plan aims to expand that requirement to those already living in the U.S. legally-including Green Card holders applying for permanent residency and asylum seekers.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and USCIS claim that tracking social media activity will help in“identity verification, vetting, and national security screening.” However, immigrant rights advocates argue that such a policy could have dangerous implications, including:

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• Chilling effect on free speech: Legal residents may hesitate to express political opinions online for fear of government scrutiny.
• Selective enforcement: The rule could disproportionately target immigrants from specific countries or backgrounds.
• Privacy concerns: The government could gain unprecedented access to personal interactions, opinions, and associations of legal residents.

How Green Card Holders Could Be Affected

The proposal raises new fears among Green Card holders and applicants, many of whom already face heightened scrutiny under Trump's immigration policies. Those applying for permanent residency or asylum may have to hand over their social media handles, allowing officials to review their posts, interactions, and political views before approving their applications.

Many Indian immigrants, professionals, and students who actively engage in political discussions on both U.S. and Indian affairs could be among those affected. The new policy might deter them from expressing opinions online-especially if they are critical of government policies.

Trump's Broader Immigration Crackdown

The proposal is part of Trump's renewed hardline stance on immigration since returning to office. On January 20, his first day back, he signed an executive order directing federal agencies to work together to combat“an invasion” of illegal immigrants.

Since then, raids and deportations have increased, with federal agents conducting high-profile crackdowns on undocumented immigrants. Social media posts by federal law enforcement agencies have showcased heavily armed agents from the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducting mass arrests.

Trump has also linked undocumented immigrants to crime, gang violence, and drug trafficking, despite government data contradicting these claims. He continues to argue that immigrants are taking away jobs and burdening U.S. taxpayers-a stance that has deepened America's already stark partisan divide.

A Tool for Political Suppression?

Critics argue that the expanded social media vetting could be politically motivated, potentially barring activists, journalists, or critics of the Trump administration from gaining permanent residency.

“This could be a modern-day loyalty test, where your online activity determines whether you can stay in the U.S.,” said an immigration policy expert from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

What Happens Next?

The USCIS notice is open for public feedback, and it remains to be seen whether the policy will be formally adopted. However, if approved, it could add another layer of complexity and fear for immigrants navigating an already tough system.

With Trump doubling down on immigration enforcement, this proposal signals a new era of digital surveillance, where an immigrant's tweets, Facebook posts, or Instagram likes could decide their fate in America.

For millions of Green Card holders and permanent residency applicants, the question is no longer just about legal status-it's about how much of their private lives the U.S. government will control.

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