US Immigration Authorities To Scrutinise Social Media Activities For Visa Approvals

The United States has unveiled a new immigration policy that will verify visa and green card applicants’ social media activity for content deemed anti-Semitic by the Trump administration.

Immigration officials stated on Wednesday, April 9, that anybody who professes support for groups listed as terrorist organizations by the US government, such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and Yemen’s Houthi rebels, may be denied entry or residency.

The policy, which goes into effect immediately, represents a substantial expansion of the Trump administration’s approach to immigration, with officials claiming that social media will now be a major component in reviewing applications.

“Anyone who thinks they can come to America and hide behind the First Amendment to advocate for anti-Semitic violence and terrorism—think again. You are not welcome here,” said Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem highlighted that anyone who promotes or supports what the administration considers anti-Semitic discourse or acts will be denied entry or stay in the US.

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that online content encouraging “anti-Semitic terrorism” or linked organizations would be considered a negative factor in determining immigration benefits. This policy applies to both student visas and green card applicants.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has already revoked the visas of around 300 people and said that such actions will continue. “Non-U.S. citizens do not have the same rights as Americans, and it is at my discretion to issue or deny visas—not that of the courts,” says Rubio.

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The action has sparked criticism, particularly in light of the deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a renowned protest leader at Columbia University who is now facing removal procedures despite being a permanent resident of the United States. Some impacted people claim they were targeted not for their statements but for attending protests or being present while such events took place.

In addition, the Trump administration withdrew federal money from several prominent institutions, accusing them of failing to appropriately handle anti-Semitism on campus amidst widespread protests over the Gaza conflict.

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