2026 Warning: Expanded Social Media Screening Now Affects EB-3 Green Card Adjudications

The U.S. government has significantly expanded its use of social media screening in visa and green card adjudications, continuing a broader trend of heightened scrutiny that has intensified under current immigration enforcement priorities. According to immigration law firm Klasko Law, consular officers and USCIS adjudicators are increasingly reviewing applicants' social media profiles and online activity as part of the standard vetting process. This expansion of social media screening applies across a wide range of visa categories, including employment-based categories such as EB-3. Applicants are now required to disclose their social media handles on certain immigration forms, and officers may independently research an applicant's online presence. Posts, connections, and activity that could raise national security or public safety concerns may result in additional questioning, delays, or denials. For EB-3 applicants and their sponsoring employers, this development underscores the importance of maintaining a professional and consistent online presence throughout the entire immigration process — from initial petition filing through consular processing or adjustment of status. Immigration attorneys advise applicants to review their social media accounts proactively and remove or restrict any content that could be misinterpreted. The heightened scrutiny reflects a broader policy shift toward more intensive background vetting in the U.S. immigration system. This trend is expected to continue and potentially expand further in 2026, making awareness and preparation increasingly critical for all immigration applicants.