Never post your visa page on social media

Larry, after applying and being denied four times for a US tourist visa, was so ecstatic that he finally got approved on his fifth try. He was so happy that he would be able to see his family and relatives and spend time with them during the holidays. So proud was he of his achievement that he told all his friends and relatives and his supposed itinerary once he arrived in the US.

Then about a week after, an email came from the US Consulate stating that it is revoking its approval. The US Consulate stated that it received further information after his B1/B2 visa was granted that necessitates the revocation of his visa.

Larry was in utter shock. He could not believe what he read. After we talked, I asked him if it was possible that someone with a grudge against him might have written a letter to the consulate that was prejudicial to him. He said he suspected some of his relatives, whom he is not on good terms with, pulled off this stunt. He said he regretted that he told everyone and that it could also be possible that his detractors found out about his visa approval because one of his children posted the visa page on social media.

Lessons to be learned here:

1.) Do not celebrate too much and too soon. Anything can happen even after visa approval. It is understandable to be happy but not to the point that you invite envy and scorn even from your friends and most especially from your enemies. I remember of a case where a single mom was about to migrate to the US with her child. She was so happy that everyone knew about it including the father of the child who at the last minute, changed his mind and did not want his child to be taken to the US. A long and tedious interfamily battle ensued thereafter.

2.) Do not post your visa page on social media. The visa page contains sensitive and confidential information that should not be shared. Even if you black out all those info, a skilled online thief can always find a way to use your visa page and steal your identity.

This column is not a substitute for professional legal advice obtained from a US-licensed immigration attorney. The information contained herein does not constitute a warranty or guarantee or legal advice regarding a reader’s specific immigration case. No attorney-client relationship is and shall be established with any reader.

For any questions, comments and observations, please contact Atty. Marco Tomakin at [email protected]