US expanding social media surveillance of foreigners may impact citizens
The U.S. government is broadening its surveillance of social media platforms to monitor millions of immigrants and foreign visitors, with new tools that could potentially scrutinize U.S. citizens as well. This effort includes expanded use of data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) to assess applicants for visas, asylum and citizenship.
How has this changed the visa application process?
Since 2019, applicants for both immigrant and non-immigrant U.S. visas — approximately 14 million people annually — have been required to submit their social media account information. The Trump administration is now expanding this practice with the adoption of AI tools to flag concerns when screening accounts. This has included initiatives such as “Catch and Revoke,” in which the State Department reportedly used AI to target student visa holders who posted pro-Palestinian views.
While the State Department has declined to comment on the specific technologies in use, a spokesperson stated the federal agency will employ “all available tools to receive and review concerning information.” Visa revocations may also occur based on arrests, criminal activity, or behavior deemed inconsistent with the visa classification.
How else is social media impacting immigration vetting?
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), an agency within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), recently announced it would be treating antisemitic social media activity as grounds to deny immigration benefits. The USCIS has also proposed collecting social media usernames from applicants seeking asylum, naturalization, or other immigration benefits — a policy that could impact millions.
What other technologies are involved in monitoring social media?
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) uses a system called SocialNet, developed by ShadowDragon, which aggregates data from over 200 platforms including major social networks, dating apps, and even gaming sites. ShadowDragon states its tools do not use AI and are designed only to collect public data, leaving interpretation to human users.
More than 11,000 ICE agents also reportedly use LexisNexis Risk Solutions technology for screening and targeting individuals for deportation. A spokesperson for the company said its services aim to enhance public safety and have supported government efforts across multiple administrations.
Meanwhile, the DHS’s April 2025 AI inventory update confirmed that U.S. Customs and Border Protection is using an AI tool called Babel X to collect public social media and open-source data for screening travelers.
Could this surveillance affect U.S. citizens?
Legal experts suggest the policy’s reach could extend to U.S. citizens indirectly. For example, individuals applying for permanent residency must provide social media information not only for themselves but for immediate family members, who may be citizens.
What happens next?
The public comment period on USCIS’s proposed policy regarding social media data collection for immigration applicants closed on May 5.
Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
