DHS to Begin Screening Aliens’ Social Media Activity for Antisemitism

USCIS announced a new policy on April 9, that it will screen social media activity and physical behavior for antisemitism when evaluating immigration benefits. This policy affects applicants for lawful permanent residence (green cards), foreign students, and individuals affiliated with institutions linked to antisemitic activity. Immigration benefits may be denied if an applicant is found to “endorse or support antisemitic terrorism, promote antisemitic terrorist groups (e.g. Hamas, Hezbollah, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Ansar Allah/Houthis), or engage in or promote antisemitic ideologies or violence.” This policy comes as a result of Trump’s early Executive Orders Combatting Anti-Semitism, Additional Measures to Combat Anti-Semitism, and Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats.

Key Takeaway: This policy immediately expands DHS's authority to consider online behavior and affiliations when making discretionary immigration decisions, further tightening vetting procedures under national security and anti-terrorism concerns.