US to check for ‘anti-American’ views when evaluating immigration applications

By Rabia Iclal Turan

WASHINGTON (AA) - The Trump administration said Tuesday that it will review “anti-American” views, including on social media, when evaluating applications for US citizenship and other immigration benefits.

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which oversees requests to live or work in the US, said in a statement that it would expand social media vetting and that “reviews for anti-American activity will be added to that vetting.”

“America’s benefits should not be given to those who despise the country and promote anti-American ideologies,” said agency spokesperson Matthew Tragesser in a statement.

“US Citizenship and Immigration Services is committed to implementing policies and procedures that root out anti-Americanism and supporting the enforcement of rigorous screening and vetting measures to the fullest extent possible. Immigration benefits – including to live and work in the United States – remain a privilege, not a right,” he added.

The updated guidance also instructs officers to consider whether applicants “promote antisemitic ideologies,” part of a broader move under the Trump administration to tighten visa eligibility and discretionary immigration approvals.

The guidance does not specify what constitutes anti-Americanism or how it will be applied, prompting concerns that subjective judgment or bias could influence decisions.

The move comes as the Trump administration expands its crackdown on immigration and student visas, including students and academics who have participated in pro-Palestine campus protests.