sir_eccles

This isn't anything new. We've had indications before from various posters strongly suggesting that USCIS/DHS etc have in fact read these forums in the past.

One would think that going forward this is likely to be a certainty.

San Bernardino attacks: Killer's social media 'not checked' - BBC News

Owen778

I disagree. It's more likely that resources devoted to social media in general will now be shifted to immigrants from high-risk areas.

Pulaski

As the source of a relatively large number of ISIS volunteers, I expect that "high-risk areas", would include the UK.

sir_eccles

To an extent I agree, "Immigrating while brown" is already an issue and attention is always going to be focused on those applicants first. But with attention also being brought on to the VWP and panic over European radicals, I wouldn't bet against it.

Lion in Winter

Only if they want to find out how to install microwaves, or wish to resolve the urgent debate over washing machines.


Seriously though, I just assume we're all being spied on all the time by software so if the software kicks anything up to an actual human, someone might take a look.

Pollyana

We know that the Australian Immigration Dept read BE - its been mentioned to me several times by one of the Migration Agents who posts here. We've even removed threads in the past that give away too much personal info that could affect an application.

hungryhorace

I would LOVE to know how the authorities intend to trawl a candidates social media, given the security services have a hard enough time even identifying a user and linking them to a specific social media service.

sir_eccles

You have a friend request from Fred B. Innocent.

Maybe it will be like some job applications where they ask you to list all online usernames.

hungryhorace

I never fail to be amazed at stupid people who fall for honeytraps like that, but I take your point.

That's easy. 'N/A'.

sir_eccles

Now you've just lied on a Federal form (if it was just a job application form I'd answer the same but I'm saying a USCIS form here).

I'm sure there is already a USCIS form where you have to include aliases and other names you are known by (maiden, married etc). Wouldn't be much to add another box saying online usernames.

lansbury

Certainly the Consular section at the London Embassy read BE. One of them recommended it to me many moons ago.

hungryhorace

A person would just create a legitimate shadow account. Or close them all down so as not to 'lie' etc.

It's completely unworkable.

Rete

We brought the marriage-based visa site to the attention of the NYC USCIS way back when. So, yes, it is known, but is it read?

I believe there is nothing sacred online and that everything is read by big brother and little sister.

username.exe

Tons of other forums online offer far more dubious advice than BE that would be a much more profitable source of would-be fraud cases.

"I want to get married and come to america as soon as possible, I can't wait more than a couple of days lol!!1"

"Sure just come over and do AoS, it will take a couple of weeks lol."

bewildering

They will require people to provide an social media identities with penalties for lying, or omission. Certainly people who meet over the internet are really going to be good targets. The US already screens social media and email according to Snowden.

My interest is how the first amendment plays into this scenario but I guess potential migrants are not covered by the first amendment until they enter the US? I think there is nothing illegal in writing that you support a terrorist cause in the US, unlike the UK.