Trump administration will screen for antisemitic activity in granting immigration benefits
Share and Follow


WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump ‘s administration will immediately start considering “antisemitic activity” on social media and physical harassment of Jewish people as grounds for denying immigration benefits, according to a federal agency announcement on Wednesday.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will begin screening the social media activity of immigrants that request benefits, including those who apply for lawful permanent resident status, foreign students and people affiliated with educational institutions “linked to antisemitic activity.” The guidance takes effect immediately, according to the release.

The announcement followed a notice last month about a Department of Homeland Security proposal to collect social media handles from people applying for benefits such as green cards or citizenship, to comply with an executive order from Trump. The public and federal agencies had until May 5 to provide feedback.

The proposal notice raised alarms from immigration and free speech advocates because it appears to expand the government’s reach in social media surveillance to people already vetted and in the U.S. legally and not just those applying to enter the country. However, social media monitoring by immigration officials has been a practice for over a decade, since at least the second Obama administration and ramping up under Trump’s first term.

Wednesday’s announcement does not say what would be considered as “antisemitism” or identify the educational institutions. USCIS did not respond immediately to an Associated Press request for information.

Since Trump took office, there have been a growing number of attempted deportations against foreign-born students who joined pro-Palestinian protests or expressed criticism of Israel. Mahmoud Khalil, for example, was arrested last month and detained, with the administration saying it revoked his green card because his role in the campus protests amounted to antisemitic support for Hamas.

The agency said it will consider social media content that indicates “endorsing, espousing, promoting, or supporting antisemitic terrorism, antisemitic terrorist organizations, or other antisemitic activity as a negative factor” when adjudicating immigration benefit requests.

When describing extremists and terrorist aliens, USCIS refers to those who support “antisemitic terrorism, violent antisemitic ideologies and antisemitic terrorist organizations.” It names Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Hezbollah.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
US military strikes 5 more alleged drug boats, killing 8 and possibly leaving survivors amid Venezuela pressure campaign

US Military Targets Drug Trafficking: 5 Boats Struck and 8 Fatalities Amid Intensified Venezuela Crackdown

WASHINGTON — In a significant operation targeting drug trafficking, the U.S. military…
Leonardo DiCaprio flaunts weight loss with younger girlfriend

Leonardo DiCaprio Showcases Weight Loss Alongside Younger Partner

As we edge closer to the new year, Leonardo DiCaprio appears to…
Dog biscuits sold in 7 states recalled, humans may be at risk of salmonella poisoning

Dog Biscuits Recalled in Seven States Due to Potential Salmonella Risk to Humans

Salmonella presents a risk to both humans and animals, leading to a…
Palmdale Street shooting on Jacksonville's Northwest side leaves man dead

New Year Chaos: Fireworks Dispute Sparks One of Two Jacksonville Shootings

Two shootings in Jacksonville on New Year’s Day left two individuals injured,…
Donald Trump goes scorched earth on Minnesota's Somali fraud scandal

Trump Unleashes Fiery Critique on Minnesota’s Somali Fraud Allegations

Donald Trump recently addressed the unfolding migrant fraud scandal in Minnesota, suggesting…
Ellen DeGeneres ramps up US return rumors on giddy California stroll

Ellen DeGeneres Sparks US Comeback Speculation During Joyful California Walk

Ellen DeGeneres has reignited speculation about her potential return to the U.S.…
Deported illegal immigrant caught by GPS tracker pleads guilty to robbing 7 convenience stores in California

Previously Deported Immigrant Admits Guilt in California Convenience Store Robberies, Tracked by GPS

A man deported previously has confessed to a series of armed robberies…
Iran protests turn deadly as anti-regime demonstrations enter fifth day

Iran Protests Escalate: Deadly Clashes Mark Fifth Day of Anti-Regime Demonstrations

Protests in Iran have surged into their fifth day as of Thursday,…