Back in 2015, DHS reportedly began working on a plan to make social media check a part of the US visa application. This proposal, however, would cover all non-citizens entering and leaving the US, even those traveling through the visa waiver program. If you'll recall, the government faced criticisms after reports came out that one of the San Bernardino shooters posted jihadist messages on social media. At the same time, terrorist organizations have been using websites like Twitter and Facebook to promote terrorist acts.

Homeland Security plans to use the social media info they gather to vet visitors. As the agency wrote in its proposal: "Collecting social media data will enhance the existing investigative process and provide DHS greater clarity and visibility to possible nefarious activity and connections by providing an additional tool set which analysts and investigators may use to better analyze and investigate the case."