Many people in other countries are currently applying for legal entrance into Florida and other areas in the United States. Some have business plans while others are excitedly preparing for their marriages to U.S. citizens. Whether an application is not yet processed or an immigrant has already settled here, proposed U.S. immigration law changes set to take place in October have many immigrant advocates concerned.
Privacy is the main issue at hand with regard to reported upcoming changes in the vetting process used for immigrants applying for permanent or temporary legal statuses. However, those already living under such statuses, as well as those who have become naturalized citizens, may be at risk for possible invasion of privacy once the new regulations take hold. One advocate stated that the terminology in the new rules is so vague that all immigrants may suffer negative consequences if changes are not made to make the wording more specific.
As it stands, come mid-October, all immigrants and potential immigrants seeking application for entrance to the United States may be required to hand over their passwords and profile information for Twitter, Google, Facebook and all other social network sites and digital information storage venues. Many are calling the proposed process an outrage where personal privacy rights are concerned. Basically, the government would be able to access any personal information stored online for any immigrant or person applying for legal immigrant status.
There’s no telling how these new regulations will affect millions of people in and outside Florida. However, seeing as U.S. immigration law is already quite complex and often changing, it’s typically helpful to connect with an experienced immigration attorney if one is facing a particular legal status challenge or has questions about the current vetting process. Such an alliance may be able to help an immigrant overcome a variety of status-related obstacles.
Source: nymag.com, “If You’re an Immigrant, Homeland Security Wants Your Twitter“, Paris Martineau, Sept. 26, 2017
