The U.S. government is taking a firmer stance against antisemitism within the immigration system. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that it will now evaluate potential immigrants’ social media activity and actions related to antisemitism when considering applications for benefits.
This policy shift, backed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), states that expressions or behaviors demonstrating support for antisemitic terrorism, organizations like Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, or Ansar Allah (the Houthis), will be viewed as reasons to deny immigration requests. The move is directly aligned with President Trump’s executive orders aimed at combating antisemitism and safeguarding national security.
The new measures will immediately impact:
- Individuals seeking lawful permanent resident status.
- Foreign students.
- Aliens affiliated with educational institutions that have been linked to antisemitic activity.
According to DHS, “There is no room in the United States for the rest of the world’s terrorist sympathizers, and we are under no obligation to admit them or let them stay here.”
“Sec. [Kristi] Noem has made it clear that anyone who thinks they can come to America and hide behind the First Amendment to advocate for antisemitic violence and terrorism – think again. You are not welcome here.”
The policy comes amidst heightened scrutiny of antisemitism, particularly on college campuses, following the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023.
USCIS will now factor in social media content that indicates endorsement, promotion, or support for antisemitic terrorism, terrorist organizations, and related activities as a negative element when reviewing immigration benefit applications. The agency emphasized its commitment to enforcing all relevant immigration laws to protect the nation from extremist threats.
