The Trump administration has tightened travel and immigration rules, now requiring international students and visa applicants to disclose their social media accounts.
On Tuesday, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a major policy change, stating that Green Card and other immigration benefit applications will now consider whether an applicant has expressed “anti-Americanism” online.
According to Inside Higher Ed, more than 1,000 foreign students had their visas revoked as of April 14 for allegedly engaging in political activities, particularly those linked to the ongoing war in Gaza. Several students have strongly denied the administration’s claims that they hold antisemitic or “pro-terrorist” views.
USCIS updates its Policy Manual
The updated USCIS Policy Manual directs officers to treat any “anti-American activity” as a heavily negative factor when evaluating immigration applications, including those for permanent residency. While the term is not strictly defined, CBS News reported that the change draws from existing immigration law that bars citizenship for individuals supporting communism, totalitarianism, or the violent overthrow of the U.S. government.
Officers are instructed to review whether an applicant has “endorsed, promoted, supported, or otherwise espoused anti-American views or the views of a terrorist organization or group.” The new guidance also expands the use of social media screening as part of the vetting process.
This policy revision applies to a wide range of discretionary immigration benefits, such as green cards, work permits, and student visas.
Immigration law compliance emphasized
Earlier this month, USCIS said it was expanding its criteria for assessing immigrants seeking U.S. citizenship. In addition to evaluating applicants’ legal records, the agency will now also weigh factors such as “adherence to societal norms” and “positive contributions” to American society.
A USCIS spokesperson, Matthew Tragesser, told Newsweek that those who spread anti-American views should not be allowed to benefit from U.S. immigration programs.
The new rules are effective immediately and apply to all applications pending or filed on or after the publication date, according to USCIS.
