[121].png)
We recently had the opportunity to attend the AILA Latin America and Caribbean Chapter Conference in Barbados, and as always, one of the biggest takeaways came from the real-world stories attorneys shared from their own cases. These are the moments that stay with us long after the conference ends, because they reveal how immigration decisions are actually made, not just how they are supposed to be made on paper.
One story in particular stood out because of how unexpected and unsettling it was.
An attorney shared a case involving an O-1 beneficiary whose petition had already been approved. Two days later, the spouse appeared for an O-3 interview. What followed was not just a refusal of the O-3, but a reported revocation of the already approved O-1 as well. The reason cited was not related to credentials, employment, or documentation. It was a social media interaction from years earlier.
According to the attorney, the spouse had “liked” a post back in 2016 that criticized then-candidate Trump. That single interaction, buried deep in a social media history, was reportedly flagged during the review and became central to the officer’s decision.
Whether every factual detail of this case would apply the same way in every situation is not the point. What matters is the takeaway, and it is an important one.
What this means in practice
The clear message from this discussion was that social media is no longer treated as background noise. It can be reviewed, interpreted, and weighed, sometimes in ways applicants do not anticipate. And it is not limited to what someone actively posts. Likes, shares, and older interactions can also come into play, even when they are years old and long forgotten by the applicant.
Where this intersects with business plans and supporting documentation
We are not attorneys, so we are not the ones advising clients on interviews or social media. But this story still hit home for us because it reinforces a bigger reality of modern visa processing. Officers are not only reviewing forms. They are forming an overall impression of credibility.
That is exactly why we take the business documentation so seriously. A strong business plan and supporting documents should not just describe a company. They should make the case feel organized, credible, and grounded. When the business narrative is clear and consistent, it gives the officer fewer reasons to doubt what is being presented and fewer openings for distractions to take over the review.
The broader takeaway
The story shared in Barbados was a reminder that immigration adjudication is not purely mechanical. Officers are human, and they evaluate cases holistically. Applicants should be aware that their digital footprint, past and present, may be part of that evaluation.
For us, the lesson circles back to what we do every day. The stronger and more coherent the business narrative is, the easier it is for the overall case to be understood in the right context. Clear documentation does not eliminate risk, but it helps ensure that the core purpose of the petition is front and center, where it belongs.
This was one of those conference discussions that stays with you, precisely because it challenges assumptions and highlights how high the stakes really are.
Contact us today to get started
The information provided in this blog is intended solely for informational purposes. While we strive to offer accurate and up-to-date content, it should not be considered legal advice. Immigration laws and regulations are subject to change, and individual circumstances can vary widely. For personalized guidance and legal advice regarding your specific immigration situation, we strongly recommend consulting with a qualified immigration attorney who can provide you with tailored assistance and ensure compliance with current laws and regulations.
Visa Business Plans is led by Marco Scanu, a certified coach from the University of Miami with a globally-based practice coaching Fortune 1000 company executives, entrepreneurs, as well as professionals in four different continents. Mr. Scanu advises clients on turnaround strategies and crisis management.
Mr. Scanu received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Cum Laude) from the University of Florida and an MBA in Management from Bocconi University in Milan, Italy. Mr. Scanu was also a Visiting Scholar at Michigan State University under the prestigious H. Humphrey Fellowship (Fulbright program) with a focus on Entrepreneurship, Venture Capital, and high-growth enterprises.
At present, Mr. Scanu is the managing partner and CEO at Visa Business Plans, a Miami-based boutique consulting firm providing attorneys and investors with business planning services in the areas of U.S. and Canadian immigration, SBA loans, and others.
If you are looking for any of the following, we can help you!
EB-5 Visa Business Plans
EB5 Business Plans
L1A Business Plans
L Visa Business Plans
L-1 Visa Business Plans
E2 Business Plans
E2 Visa Business Plans
E1 Business Plans
E1 Visa Business Plans
Business Plan for Investor Visa
Business Plans for Immigration and Visa Purposes
Business Plan for Visa Application
Market Analysis
Feasibility Studies
Investor Visas Business Plans
NIW Business Plans
NIW Personal Endeavor Plan
NIW Personal Statement
EB-2 Visa Business Plans
Visa Business Plans
[189].png)
