US to screen for 'anti-Americanism' in immigration applications
Social media vetting will now expand to searches for “anti-American activity”
People applying to live or work in the United States will now face screening for "anti-Americanism," including social media checks, authorities announced Tuesday — a tightening of immigration restrictions that has alarmed advocates and lawyers.
According to a policy update from US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS), immigration officers will review whether applicants have had "any involvement in anti-American or terrorist organizations," or if there is "evidence of antisemitic activity," reports CNN.
Social media vetting, first introduced in June under the Trump administration, will now expand to searches for "anti-American activity," the update said.
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The move is the latest in a series of crackdowns on immigration, with critics warning it could deter both immigrants and international students from pursuing opportunities in the US.
The State Department has already revoked more than 6,000 student visas this year, an official confirmed Monday. In June, it also instructed embassies and consulates to vet student visa applicants for "hostile attitudes towards our citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles."
"America's benefits should not be given to those who despise the country and promote anti-American ideologies," USCIS spokesperson Matthew Tragesser said in a news release Tuesday.
He added that the agency was "committed to implementing policies and procedures that root out anti-Americanism and supporting the enforcement of rigorous screening and vetting measures to the fullest extent possible."
The update did not define "anti-Americanism," but said it would include those supporting "antisemitic terrorism, antisemitic terrorist organizations, and antisemitic ideologies."
For further guidance, the policy referred to the 1952 Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), the United States' overarching immigration framework. The law bars naturalization for certain groups, including members of Communist parties, those advocating "world communism," people who oppose "all organized government," and those seeking to overthrow the US government by force or violence.
The announcement has stirred confusion and debate online, with critics warning that the vague wording could allow immigration officers broad discretion to deny applicants, regardless of genuine threats.
