On September 16, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a notice in the Federal Register announcing that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin collecting social media identifiers on certain immigration forms. This change comes as part of the implementation of Executive Order 14161, “Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats.”
What Does This Mean?
USCIS will now request applicants to provide their social media handles (sometimes referred to as “identifiers”) when completing applications for immigration benefits. According to the notice, this information will be used for:
- Enhanced identity verification
- National security and public safety screening
- Validating applicant information across forms and systems
The policy applies to a variety of commonly used forms, including:
- Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization)
- Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status)
- Form I-589 (Application for Asylum)
- Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document), among others.
Why Is This Happening?
The update aligns with broader government efforts to establish uniform vetting standards. According to USCIS, collecting social media information is necessary to ensure thorough background checks and to confirm that immigration benefits are being granted to eligible applicants only. If you are applying for an immigration benefit, you may now be asked to include your social media handles used within the past five years. Some important points to keep in mind:
- Providing false or misleading information could create complications in your case.
- Not all applicants will be affected, but many of the most common family-based, humanitarian, and employment-based applications will now include this request.
- USCIS has stated this change is part of its effort to streamline identity verification and improve efficiency, not to create additional burdens for applicants.
At Zhang-Louie PLLC, we understand how even small updates in immigration policy can affect applicants and their families. Our team, led by attorney Zoe Zhang-Louie, closely monitors these changes to ensure our clients are always fully prepared.
If you’re planning to file for adjustment of status, naturalization, or any other immigration benefit, it’s important to stay informed about what information will now be required. Submitting accurate and complete applications from the start can help avoid delays or denials.
GET IN TOUCH
