U.S. immigration officials have announced a new policy that will scrutinize social media accounts and deny visas or residency permits to individuals whose online content is deemed anti-Semitic by the Trump administration.
Content considered anti-Semitic will include social media posts supporting militant groups designated as terrorists by the U.S., such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Huthi insurgents.
This decision follows the Trump administration’s controversial actions to revoke visas for students within the U.S., despite the First Amendment’s protection of free speech.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has asserted that individuals who believe they can use the First Amendment to promote anti-Semitic violence and terrorism will be denied entry.
A department spokeswoman emphasized that such individuals are not welcome in the U.S.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will now consider social media content that endorses, promotes, or supports anti-Semitic terrorism, organizations, or activities as a negative factor in visa and green card applications.
This policy, effective immediately, applies to student visas and applications for permanent residency.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio reported last month that visas had been revoked for approximately 300 individuals, with revocations occurring daily.
He argued that non-U.S. citizens do not have the same rights as Americans and that visa issuance or denial is at his discretion.
Several individuals whose visas were revoked have claimed they never expressed anti-Semitic views, suggesting they were targeted for being present at protests.
The most prominent case involves Mahmoud Khalil, a permanent U.S. resident and protest leader at Columbia University, who faces deportation.
The Trump administration has also cut millions in federal funding to universities, citing their alleged failure to adequately address anti-Semitism during Gaza war protests.
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