The Donald Trump administration has announced that people involved in antisemitic activity, including posts on social media or harassment of Jewish individuals, may be denied immigration benefits in the United States.
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said on Wednesday that it will now look at antisemitic activity on social media and physical acts against Jewish people as grounds for rejecting immigration applications. This new policy takes effect immediately.
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People applying for green cards, student visas, citizenship, or any other immigration benefits will have their social media accounts reviewed. If their posts are found to support antisemitic terrorism, terrorist organizations, or violent ideologies, it could negatively affect their application.
USCIS clearly named extremist groups such as Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and Hezbollah as examples of antisemitic terrorist organizations.
Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security, said:
“There is no place in the United States for people who support antisemitic terrorism. If you think you can come to America and use free speech to promote violence and hate, think again — you are not welcome here.”
This announcement comes shortly after the Department of Homeland Security said it will collect social media handles from people applying for immigration benefits.
While this move has raised concerns among immigration and free speech advocates, it’s important to note that social media monitoring in immigration has been practiced since President Barack Obama’s second term.
Since Donald Trump took office, there has been growing attention on foreign students and immigrants who support pro-Palestinian protests or criticize Israel. Some of these individuals have faced deportation or visa issues.
Key Takeaway:
If you are applying for any US immigration benefit, antisemitic activity, especially on social media, can now be used as a reason to deny your application.
