The Donald Trump administration has issued a new directive requiring U.S. immigration officers to screen visa, green card, and citizenship applicants for signs of “anti-Americanism,” with an increased emphasis on reviewing applicants’ social media activity.
The updated policy, announced by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), states that “anti-American activity will be an overwhelmingly negative factor in any discretionary analysis.” Immigration officers will assess whether applicants have exhibited ties to terrorist or anti-American groups, expressed antisemitic views, or engaged in behavior deemed hostile to the United States.
Social media vetting, introduced earlier this year, will now involve deeper searches for posts reflecting “anti-American” sentiments. “America’s benefits should not be given to those who despise the country and promote anti-American ideologies,” USCIS spokesperson Matthew Tragesser said, stressing that immigration benefits remain “a privilege, not a right.”
The move has raised concerns among thousands of Indian students and skilled professionals, who fear their applications may be affected by subjective interpretations of their views. The directive follows a series of restrictive immigration measures under the Trump administration. Earlier this week, the U.S. State Department confirmed that over 6,000 student visas had been revoked in 2025. U.S. embassies and consulates have also been instructed to flag applicants showing “hostile attitudes towards our citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles.”
Critics warn that the expanded screening process may deter global talent and international students from pursuing opportunities in the United States, further complicating an already stringent immigration system.
Recent Random Post:
