The Trump administration announced on Wednesday that it would immediately begin denying immigration benefits to individuals who engage in antisemitic activities, including online hate speech and physical harassment of Jewish individuals.
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) stated that it will start reviewing the social media activity of immigration applicants, including those applying for permanent residency (Green Cards), foreign students, and individuals linked to educational institutions associated with antisemitic behavior.
This policy will be implemented immediately.
The move follows a proposal by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in March to collect social media account information from individuals seeking immigration benefits, such as residency or citizenship, as part of an executive order from President Trump.
The public and federal agencies had until May 5 to submit feedback on the proposal.
The decision has raised concerns among immigration rights advocates and free speech groups, as it expands the government’s surveillance of social media, potentially affecting individuals who are already legally residing in the US and have undergone background checks, not just those seeking entry into the country.
However, social media monitoring by immigration officials has been a practice for over a decade, dating back to the second term of President Barack Obama, and it has intensified under President Trump.
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