US Begins Social Media Screening for Immigrants, Visa Applicants

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a new policy that will screen the social media of immigrants and visa applicants for antisemitic activity, which could lead to the denial of immigration benefits. This measure, effective immediately, targets individuals seeking lawful permanent residency, foreign students, and those associated with educational institutions implicated in antisemitic actions. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin underscored the U.S. government's commitment to preventing the entry of individuals who sympathize with terrorism or antisemitism. The policy aligns with previous executive actions aimed at combating antisemitism but has drawn criticism from rights advocates who argue it poses threats to free speech and amounts to surveillance. Critics, including some Jewish groups, contend that the administration often conflates criticism of Israel with antisemitism, raising concerns about the implications for pro-Palestinian voices. The move follows heightened scrutiny in the context of ongoing tensions related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.