May 23, 2025

USCIS to Screen Social Media for Antisemitic Activity in Immigration Applications

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a new policy that will consider antisemitic activity on social media, as well as the physical harassment of Jewish individuals, as negative factors when reviewing immigration benefit requests. This move aims to bolster national security and prevent individuals with extremist or antisemitic views from gaining legal entry or residency in the United States.

 

This policy applies to a range of applicants, including those seeking:

 

• Lawful permanent resident status (green cards)
• Student visas
• Affiliation with academic institutions linked to antisemitic activity

Rooted in Executive Action

This policy is aligned with several executive orders from President Trump, including:

• Combating Anti-Semitism
• Additional Measures to Combat Anti-Semitism
• Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats

These orders direct the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to strictly enforce immigration laws to protect the U.S. from extremist threats.

What USCIS Will Consider

Under this new guidance, immigration officers will screen applicants’ social media activity and other relevant conduct. The following will be treated as negative discretionary factors:

• Endorsing, promoting, or supporting antisemitic terrorism
• Associating with antisemitic terrorist organizations, including:
  • Hamas
  • Palestinian Islamic Jihad
  • Hezbollah
  • Ansar Allah (aka “the Houthis”)
• Engaging in or promoting violent antisemitic ideologies
• Participating in physical harassment of Jewish individuals
• Being affiliated with institutions or organizations linked to antisemitic activity

Effective immediately, USCIS officers will review applicants’ social media and other forms of public expression when making discretionary immigration decisions. This new guidance applies to all pending and future benefit requests.

Officers may consider publicly available content—such as posts on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and others—when assessing eligibility and exercising discretion. The purpose is to identify inconsistencies, potential fraud, or negative discretionary factors.

Applicants are encouraged to review their public online presence to ensure it aligns with the information provided in their immigration applications.

If you need immigration advice or have questions about any aspect of the immigration process, don’t hesitate to contact Bailey Immigration. Our experienced team is here to help. Call us today at 503-224-0950 for trusted guidance and support.