Q: Will social media impact my conditional green card extension and return to the US?
I'm a UK citizen living in the US on a conditional green card obtained through marriage. I have maintained continuous residence in the US since I arrived a year ago. In a year's time, I need to apply to remove the conditions from my green card. I haven't attended any protests but have shared pro-Palestinian and anti-Trump posts on social media. I'm considering a vacation to the UK for a week or two, but nothing is booked yet. Since arriving, I haven't left the US and haven't consulted an immigration lawyer about this matter. Will my social media activities impact my ability to return to the US after my vacation, or affect my petition to remove the conditions from my green card and extend it?
A:
Your social media activity could potentially impact both your ability to return to the US after travel and your petition to remove conditions from your green card. USCIS actively screens social media accounts of non-citizens involved in immigration cases, and this screening extends to conditional green card applicants specifically as part of their fraud prevention measures.
Recent developments are particularly relevant to your situation, as the Trump administration has proposed expanded requirements for immigrants already legally in the US (including green card holders) to disclose their social media handles when applying for benefits such as permanent residency. This policy seeks to require people to share their social media handles when applying for citizenship, green cards, and other immigration benefits as part of "uniform vetting standards" and national security screening. Social media posts expressing political views, particularly those regarding sensitive topics like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict or criticism of the administration, may receive additional scrutiny.
Regarding your travel plans, while conditional permanent residents can generally travel internationally with a valid green card, you should consider consulting with an immigration attorney before your trip to the UK. The combination of international travel and social media activity containing political content creates potential complications that should be addressed by a legal professional who can provide personalized advice for your specific situation. I recommend contacting an immigration attorney who can review your particular circumstances before finalizing your travel plans or submitting your petition to remove conditions.
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