Social media and digital safety for immigrants

10 ways to protect yourself online

These tips can help protect you from scams and surveillance, especially for people without legal status.

1. Use strong and unique passwords

Create strong passwords for each account. This means making them long and using a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.

Turn on two-factor authentication for extra security. It adds another step when you log in, like a code sent to your phone.

Use a password manager like 1Password or LastPass to create and save strong passwords.

2. Adjust privacy settings and think before you post

Check your privacy settings often to control who can see your posts on social media. Make all your accounts private. Be careful what you share on social media. Do not post personal details or pictures that could be misused.

3. Protect your personal information and data

Personal information online is called data. Avoid sharing important data like your ID number, bank details, passwords, address, or immigration related documents online.

Be careful when giving apps access to your data, especially on Facebook. Regularly check and update your settings to control what apps can access. Consider deleting old accounts you no longer use. Use encrypted messaging apps like the latest version of Signal for sensitive conversations.

Never send money to anyone unless you are sure who they are. Government offices and real businesses will not ask for money or your password.

Avoid entering passwords or financial information when using public Wi-Fi, such as at cafés or airports.

Keep your phone, apps, and computer updated. Updates often fix security problems.

4. Be cautious with friend requests from strangers

Only accept friend requests on social media from people you know. Fake accounts can be used for scams to steal your personal information and money. If you meet someone online and want to meet them in person, do it in a public place with other people around.

Immigrants may be targeted by unkind people on social media. Block anyone who posts threats. Do not respond to them. Do not reply to hateful or racist accounts. They may try to scare you or share your personal information online.

Learn more about what to do if someone is threatening you.

5. Limit location sharing

Avoid posting your real-time location publicly, like when you check into a place. Sharing your location in real-time can let others know where you are and may put your safety at risk.

Some apps, like Google Maps, may keep tracking your location even after you stop using them. Check your settings and turn off location tracking.

If you are joining a protest or community action, Just Futures Law shares extra safety steps to help protect yourself and others.

6. Avoid clicking suspicious links

Do not click on links from unknown sources. They could be scams or contain viruses that harm your device. Viruses can give people access to your personal information, money, or identity.

Remember, any offer that seems too good to be true usually is!

7. Monitor for unusual activity

Check your social media and online accounts for unusual activity, like unknown logins or strange posts. Report anything suspicious.

Only enter financial or personal information on secure websites that start with https.

Avoid immigration scams

Know how to protect yourself from notarios and fake websites. Learn what to do if you have been a victim of fraud.

Learn more

8. Keep your children safe

Even if you do not use social media, it is important to learn enough to keep your children safe. Experts recommend limiting social media use, watching what your children see and do online, and talking to them about their social media use.

Online bullying, called cyberbullying, is also a problem for young people. It can include mean comments, threats, or spreading lies about someone. Find help dealing with cyberbullying.

Social media platforms are designed to keep you online. Spending too much time scrolling can hurt your mental health and productivity. Set time limits to balance your time online and offline.

9. Do not believe everything you see online

Social media can spread false information. Some accounts post lies or scams to steal your personal information or money.

There are two common types of false information:

Misinformation: False information shared by mistake
Disinformation: False information shared on purpose, often to create strong emotions and mislead people.

Be cautious of information that seems extreme or one-sided, as it may try to look like it is from official websites or news outlets. Always check the information with trusted sources like government websites or well-known news outlets. If you are unsure where information came from, do not share it to avoid spreading false information.

10. Be aware that the government may review your social media accounts

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reviews public social media engagement by some non-citizens, including permanent residents, which could have an impact on your current immigration status.

If you are submitting an immigration application, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will now collect social media information. USCIS will require you to provide your social media handles and messaging app information when you file applications, such as a work permit, travel document, Green Card, or citizenship.

In some cases, they may also request information about your family members, such as a spouse, parent, or child.

USCIS officers may look for content that:

Is “anti-American” or “anti-Semitic”
Raises security or ethical concerns
Differs from what you claim in your application

If you are traveling outside the U.S., CBP can search your phone and laptop during security checks. Learn how to plan your travel safely, especially if you are not a U.S. citizen.

Important to know

Some government agencies have started sharing more information with DHS, which includes Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Tax information (IRS): The IRS has agreed to share some taxpayer information with DHS for immigration enforcement. Some of this data has already been shared. However, two court decisions currently stop ICE from using any IRS data it has.
Social Security records (SSA): The Social Security Administration has agreed to share information with ICE, including notifying ICE of upcoming appointments at Social Security offices. Having or applying for a Social Security number does not automatically mean DHS can access your information for enforcement, but some data is being shared.
Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR): ORR has agreed to share information with DHS. DHS already has information about most people who receive ORR services through other applications or records. Sponsors of unaccompanied children have been a focus of these agreements. Be aware that information about you and your family may be shared.

Many types of personal data continue to be protected by privacy laws and cannot be used for immigration enforcement. In other cases, DHS may already have access to the information that is being shared. For example, ICE may already have your address from past applications or records.

What is considered social media?

Social media includes apps and websites where you connect with people you know or do not know, such as Facebook, Twitter (now called X), Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp. LinkedIn is another social networking site used for jobs and careers. Even YouTube, Reddit, and Discord count as social media because anyone can post videos and comments.

Social media has many benefits for immigrants, such as: