Critics have strongly condemned a new policy by the Trump administration, which requires U.S.-based immigrants applying for a Green Card to provide their social media handles. The policy, which follows an Executive Order signed by Trump on his first day of his second term, aims to enhance national security by screening applicants’ online presence. The order, titled “Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats,” claims that the collection of social media profiles will assist in identity verification and help identify potential security risks. This policy, which already applies to visa applicants outside the U.S., will now extend to those seeking permanent residency or asylum within the country.

The proposal has sparked widespread backlash, with critics arguing that it infringes upon fundamental American values such as free speech and privacy. Many fear it will stifle online expression, particularly for individuals from countries with different political systems. Some have raised concerns that the policy could disproportionately affect Muslim and Arab applicants, potentially silencing their lawful political speech. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is accepting public comments on the proposal until May 5.