The U.S. government announced it will begin screening the social media activity of immigrants and visa applicants for signs of antisemitic behaviour. This new policy, led by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), is part of President Donald Trump’s broader effort to crack down on what the administration sees as extremist support, particularly in light of recent pro-Palestinian protests following Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
US to Deny Visas Over Online Antisemitism, Pro-Palestinian Ties
According to USCIS, antisemitic posts and the harassment of Jewish individuals online will now be considered grounds for denying immigration benefits, including green cards and student visas. The policy is aimed at individuals applying for lawful permanent residency, foreign students, and those linked to educational institutions perceived as promoting antisemitic activity.
The Trump administration claims this move is necessary to protect national security and prevent the spread of extremist ideologies, especially sympathies toward groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, which the U.S. has designated as terrorist organizations. Officials have also threatened universities with federal funding cuts over pro-Palestinian demonstrations and have already revoked several visas.
Rights Groups Slam US Policy Linking Pro-Palestinian Speech to Antisemitism
However, this policy has drawn sharp criticism from rights advocates and some Jewish groups, who argue that the administration is equating criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza with antisemitism. They warn that this approach undermines free speech and unfairly targets immigrants, particularly those from Arab and Muslim backgrounds.
The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) condemned the move, stating it “formalizes censorship practices” and promotes fear over open dialogue. The Nexus Project, an organization combating antisemitism, said the policy treats antisemitism as a problem imported through immigration, which it strongly opposes. Amid the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, rights advocates have also raised concerns about rising Islamophobia and anti-Arab sentiment in U.S. immigration policy.
Summary:
The U.S. government will now screen immigrants’ and visa applicants’ social media for antisemitic content, using it as grounds to deny entry or benefits. Critics argue this suppresses free speech and unfairly targets Arabs and Muslims, conflating criticism of Israel with extremism amid the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.
