Your Social Media and Deportation

Your social media accounts can be used against you in your deportation case in a number of ways. In some cases, even a single social media post can be enough to lead to deportation. For example, if you post a photo of yourself using drugs, you could be deported for violating the terms of your visa. Or, if you post a comment expressing support for a terrorist organization, you could be deported for being a threat to national security. The Department of Home Security (DHS) and ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) are actively involved in social media including creating fake profiles and accounts.

Your Social Media Accounts Can Be Used To Stop You From Entering The United States

Your social media accounts can be used against you in a number of ways. For example, immigration authorities may review your social media posts to:

• Verify your identity and immigration status:
  Immigration authorities may compare your social media profile photos to your passport photo or other government-issued IDs. They may also use your social media posts to track down your current location or to confirm your travel history.
• Assess your ties to the United States:
  Immigration authorities may look for evidence that you have a strong social network in the US, such as posts about spending time with friends and family, attending community events, or participating in religious or cultural activities. They may also look for evidence that you are financially established in the US, such as posts about your job, home, or car.
• Identify any potential criminal activity:
  Immigration authorities may look for posts that suggest you have been involved in crimes, such as gang activity, drug trafficking, or violence. They may also look for posts that promote hatred or violence against certain groups of people.
• Determine your moral character:
  In a deportation/removal hearing, immigration authorities may look for posts that suggest you lack good moral character, such as posts that promote racism, sexism, or other forms of bigotry. They may also look for posts that suggest you are a threat to public safety.
  If you are facing deportation proceedings, it is important to be aware of the potential consequences of your social media activity. You should avoid posting anything that could be used against you in court.

Protect Your Social Media Accounts

Here are some tips for protecting yourself from deportation based on your social media activity:

• Make your social media accounts private:
  This will prevent immigration authorities from viewing your posts without your permission.
• Be mindful of what you post:
  Avoid posting anything that could be seen as incriminating or that could suggest you lack good moral character.
• Be careful about what you share with others on social media:
  Your friends and family members could also be subpoenaed to testify about your social media activity.
• If you are facing deportation proceedings, consult with an experienced immigration and deportation defense attorney:
  An attorney can advise you on how to protect your privacy and how to avoid using social media in a way that could harm your case.

• Your Social Media and Deportation
• Be Alert: Customs Officers Can Check Your Phone and Social Media Accounts At The Border
• USCIS and Your Social Media