Desk:In a significant policy shift, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that individuals applying for U.S. visas or permanent residency (Green Card) will now be subject to increased scrutiny over their social media activity—particularly posts expressing anti-Semitic views.
According to the official statement from USCIS, any foreign national who shares content on social media that supports anti-Semitic ideologies or terrorist organizations known for anti-Jewish sentiments may be denied entry into the United States. Additionally, visas already granted may be revoked based on such online activity.
The agency confirmed that social media profiles of visa applicants will be reviewed for any signs of support for groups designated as terrorist organizations by the U.S. government. These include Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthi rebels, all of which have been officially labeled as terrorist groups.
“Anti-Semitic terrorism has no place in America”
The USCIS statement reads: “Social media content will be considered negative if a foreign national is found to be supporting anti-Semitic terrorism, anti-Semitic terror groups, or engaging in anti-Jewish activities.”
Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), echoed the agency’s stance, stating: “There is no place in the U.S. for supporters of terrorism from any part of the world. We are under no obligation to allow them into our country or let them stay.”
Impact on Student Visas and Green Card Applications
This new policy is effective immediately and applies to all visa categories, including student visas (F-1, J-1), work permits, Green Card applications, and visa extensions. It significantly raises the bar for eligibility and could affect thousands of applicants.
Over 300 Student Visas Already Revoked
The policy comes amid reports that over 300 student visas have been canceled in recent weeks. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented, “There is a difference between the rights of U.S. citizens and non-citizens. Issuing a visa is not a right, but a privilege, and one that I have the authority to grant or deny.”
Stricter Scrutiny Moving Forward
With this shift, aspiring immigrants must now be extra cautious about their online presence. Any perceived support for terrorist groups or anti-Semitic content could now directly impact their chances of entering or remaining in the United States, making the immigration process more complex and stringent than ever before.