Social networking sites continue to increase in popularity. People post the most intimate details of their lives on these sites. Yet how many people understand that the CIS uses these sites to investigate petitions and applications made by companies and individuals?

You should know that whatever you post on a social networking site can, and most likely will, be viewed by a CIS adjudicator the next time you or your employer file an application or petition for an immigration benefit. Think about what you have posted and ask yourself if there is anything there that might hurt your chances of approval? Is there anything on your page or pages that is inconsistent with the petition or application being filed?

We have seen references to specific entries made to social networking sites in both requests for evidence and denials. If you voluntarily post information that can harm your application or petition, you have only yourself to blame if the government uses it against you.