U.S. immigration authorities have begun monitoring social networks of applicants for immigration benefits, including permanent residency, to identify anti-Semitic behavior or links to hate speech.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services(USCIS), under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), announced that as of this week new guidelines are being implemented that allow it to deny green cards, student visas and other immigration benefits if the applicant has demonstrated activity on social networks that promotes anti-Semitism or physical harassment against Jewish people.
Tougher immigration stance
Buzzy
The move aligns with executive orders signed by President Donald Trump in his second term aimed at combating anti-Semitism on U.S. soil.
According to the official statement, this scrutiny will also reach individuals affiliated with educational institutions that have been identified as promoting anti-Semitic speech.
“There is no place in the United States for terrorist sympathizers. We are not obligated to admit them or allow them to stay,” said Tricia McLaughlin, DHS Under Secretary for Public Affairs.
He also made it clear that freedom of expression does not protect incitement to violence.
And that those who attempt to use the First Amendment to justify extremist positions are not welcome.
Revoked visas?
This new policy follows the lead of the Department of State (DOS), which has already revoked more than 300 visas for alleged links to extremist groups or anti-Semitic activities.
Many of them are aimed at international students with pro-Palestinian positions.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that his team reviews cases on a daily basis.
“We are looking daily for these lunatics who are causing havoc. I hope they will soon be finished because we have already eliminated them all,” he stated.
In the last week alone, more than three dozen California college students and alumni reportedly lost their visas based on this policy.
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