In a significant policy change, US immigration officials have said that visa and permanent residence applications will be rejected for those who post anti-Semitic material on social media. That includes any material expressing backing for violent groups the United States has labeled terrorist organizations, including Hamas, Lebanon’s Hezbollah, and Yemen’s Houthis.
Anti-Semitic Content a ‘Negative Factor’
As per a statement of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), social media content indicating that someone is ‘endorsing, espousing, promoting or supporting anti-Semitic terrorism, anti-Semitic terrorist organizations or other anti-Semitic activity’ will now be considered a negative consideration in their immigration petitions.
The policy is applicable to both holders of student visas as well as those seeking permanent resident status, popularly referred to as green cards, and comes into effect immediately.
‘You Are Not Welcome Here’: DHS Sends Strong Message
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin reinforced the administration’s message, stating, “Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has made it clear that anyone who believes they can come to America and use the First Amendment as a shield to promote anti-Semitic violence and terrorism…think again. You are not welcome here.”
300 Visas Already Revoked
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced last month that around 300 visas have already been withdrawn, emphasizing that foreign nationals do not enjoy the same constitutional rights as US citizens.
The Trump administration also deported students in the US for engaging in Gaza-related protests. One of the most publicized deportation cases includes that of Mahmoud Khalil, who made headlines for spearheading pro-Palestinian demonstrations at Columbia University in New York.
