I Cannot Agree more! When I see AI Generated fake Profile pics and posts and All VERIFIED X accounts, I Now BLOCK them. I was scammed also, never again. @VChannelling
I want to add something that I really hope people will take seriously.
To refugees and newcomers who are receiving help from Americans: please understand that your immigration journey does not simply end when you arrive in the United States.
If you are here as a refugee and later apply for adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident, a Green Card holder, you will go through another stage of immigration screening and vetting. USCIS has specifically strengthened and clarified the screening and interview process for refugees and asylees applying for adjustment of status, with an emphasis on detecting fraud, misrepresentation, national-security concerns, and public-safety risks. (USCIS)
And yes, your conduct matters.
The things you post publicly online can potentially become relevant information. USCIS has acknowledged the use and evaluation of social-media vetting in refugee adjudications. (USCIS)
So if you are asking Americans for money online, creating false stories, using misleading photographs, impersonating other people, or otherwise taking advantage of people’s generosity, you should understand that there can be consequences beyond simply losing someone’s trust.
Don’t scam people. Don’t lie to people. Don’t manufacture hardship to get money from strangers.
That is good advice morally, financially, and, especially given the increased emphasis on immigration screening and program integrity, immigration-wise.
And I want to say something equally important to Americans who genuinely want to help.
Please don’t let your compassion make you careless.
If you see an emotional social-media post accompanied by an AI-generated photograph and a GiveSendGo or other crowdfunding link, don’t automatically assume that the story is true and send money to someone you have never met.
An AI-generated picture proves absolutely nothing about the person behind the account.
There are much safer ways to help.
What I’ve been doing is getting to know people in my own community. If there are refugees or newcomers in my area who need assistance, I try to understand what they actually need and then connect them with legitimate resources—food banks, clothing programs, employment services, job fairs, churches, community organizations, and other local resources.
There are a LOT of people and organizations willing to help. You don’t necessarily have to send cash to a stranger on the internet to make a difference.
And here’s my current analogy, because I’ve actually been house shopping. 😂
You can look at a house on Zillow and see beautiful photographs and think, “Wow, this place is amazing!”
Then you walk through the front door and realize the pictures didn’t tell you the whole story.
Social media can be exactly the same way.
A picture isn’t proof.
A heartbreaking story isn’t proof.
An AI-generated photograph definitely isn’t proof.
To Americans: Have compassion, but verify before you give.
To refugees and newcomers: If Americans are opening their wallets and their communities to help you, don’t abuse that generosity. Don’t make the actions of a few dishonest people harder on everyone who is genuinely trying to build a life here.
We can absolutely have compassion AND boundaries.
@za_diggy@andrea_spook True!! I have seen photos of Amazon Boxes stacked to the Ceiling! Damn, maybe I can claim Asylum in SA and start a wishlist, sent to my American address!! Bunch of puzzies!!
@andrea_spook Oh Yeah. Many of us are on Fixed incomes, that we EARNED! MASSIVE Amazon Wish lists, and asking for a $500 sewing machine / espresso makers and tools? I Wont be scammed for 500 dollars to a total stranger, the fact that she asked for a $70 blouse as well is enough for me.
@Amreil7 Have you ever heard of Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian woman, killed at the East/West Boulevard station in Charlotte, North Carolina. America has plenty of Violent killings, be careful out there!!!
@Dan_Amerikaner AMEN, there are many newcomers here expecting a silver spoon full of money, and instant gratification. Thanks for standing up for Americans and our Generosity! @Amreil7
@Amreil7@PieterVand37940 All I hear is complaints, and whining. God Laughs while We Make Plans. Get a job cleaning toilets if necessary, be a cook at Waffle house. Walmart greeter, there are So Many Jobs! His Only job now is feeding his family,
@Amreil7@Theresa99778608 EVERY Refugee I have interacted has Jobs. Don't blame America. If you cant hang, go somewhere else. Americans are restoring our Country, Sovereignty and our Place in the world.. We can no longer support freeloaders. Hard work is the only thing that SAVE US ALL!!
@Amreil7 Ask yourself, What did America's founding fathers do 250 Years ago?? They did not whine, they had NO FEAR, They did not Quit, and theDid Not WHINE!!! Maybe learning American History will help you.