- DHS has determined that the execution of the E.O. requires U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to collect social media identifier(s) (“handles”) data on immigration forms and/or within information collection systems.
- This data will be collected from certain populations of individuals on applications for immigration-related benefits and is necessary for the enhanced identity verification, vetting and national security screening, and inspection conducted by USCIS and required under the E.O.
From the Federal Register Notice, “this collection of information is necessary to comply with section 2 of the E.O. establishing enhanced screening and vetting standards and procedures enabling USCIS to assess an alien’s eligibility to receive an immigration-related benefit from USCIS. This data collection also is used to help validate an applicant’s identity and determine whether such grant of a benefit poses a security or public-safety threat to the United States.”
Erickson Insights & Analysis
USCIS invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment upon this proposed new collection of information. The public comment period opened on March 5, 2025, and will continue for 60 days until May 5, 2025.
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.