Don't Spy on Immigrants' Social Media Accounts

The Department of Homeland Security recently revealed a plan to conduct surveillance on the social media accounts and internet searches of immigrants in America. Even naturalized citizens and green card holders will be subject to this scrutiny. The new rule specifies that, starting on October 18, immigrants' "social media handles, aliases, associated identifiable information, and search results" will be monitored.

We cannot let DHS go through with this disturbing invasion of privacy. Please sign this petition demanding that DHS forgo its plan to expand online surveillance of immigrants.

Since the 2015 terrorist attack in San Bernardino, there has been growing interesting in the surveillance of immigrants’ online activity, even though it is questionable whether the tactic actually yields reliable information or prevents national security threats. 

We do know, however, that this type of high-tech surveillance would constitute an invasion of privacy for all immigrants and those who interact with them online. While online behavior might not be the best predictor of future violence, it can tell us a lot about one’s political and ideological beliefs. Knowing that one’s activity was being monitored would likely affect how one engages online, subsequently impinging upon one’s right to free speech.

This invasiveness seems unwarranted and just another way for the Trump administration to single out people who were not born in this country. Our long-term residents should be entitled to some privacy and not treated as enemies just because of their country of origin.

DHS is currently accepting comments before the policy goes into effect on October 18. Let's let the agency know that we do not want to see this policy implemented.