As the 2026 World Cup approaches in the United States, many Argentinians are increasingly anxious about obtaining or renewing their visas, which now require a deeper examination of social media profiles by US immigration officials.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, a rising sense of urgency has been noted among thousands of Argentinians regarding the process of obtaining or renewing their US visas. While logistical details such as booking flights, hotels, and securing match tickets are being prioritized, a significant and less visible factor has emerged in the visa process: the scrutiny of social media. Applicants are now required to disclose their social media accounts on immigration forms, and in certain instances, they must make private accounts public for review by immigration officers.
This enhanced focus on social media has led to the creation of specialized services that leverage artificial intelligence to examine individuals' digital footprints. One such service, Social Mirror, conceived by Argentine Matías Simone, co-founder of WeCheck AI, aims to assist applicants in understanding how their online presence could affect their visa applications. Importantly, the service does not guarantee expedited outcomes but rather offers insight to help applicants avoid potential pitfalls in the immigration review process.
As the requirements for visa applications evolve, the implications of social media monitoring extend beyond mere application approval; they also raise concerns about privacy and civil liberties. Individuals must navigate the balance between their right to free expression on social media and the increasing demands from immigration authorities. This scrutiny could have broader consequences for how people engage online, particularly in politically sensitive contexts or in expression of opinions that might be deemed controversial by authorities.
