DHS Expands Immigration Screening to Include Antisemitic Social Media Content for Aliens

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on Wednesday, April 9th, that it will begin considering antisemitic activity on social media and physical harassment of Jewish individuals as grounds for denying immigration benefits. The policy will impact applicants for lawful permanent residency, international students, and others linked to educational institutions involved in antisemitic activity.

The policy follows President Trump’s executive orders focused on combatting antisemitism, including steps to counter extremists and terrorist sympathizers. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) emphasized its commitment to protecting the U.S. from foreign threats, including those associated with antisemitic terrorism or organizations like Hamas, Hezbollah, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

“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,” said DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin. “You are not welcome here.”

Effective immediately, the new guidance directs USCIS to evaluate applicants’ social media activity. Any content promoting or endorsing antisemitic terrorism will be considered a negative factor in the evaluation of immigration requests. This policy reflects an expanded effort to ensure that those with ties to violent antisemitic ideologies are not allowed to enter or remain in the country.