Islamabad, Apr 10, 2025: U.S. immigration authorities revealed on Wednesday that they will begin assessing applicants’ social media activity and may deny visas or residency to individuals posting content deemed to be anti-Semitic under the current administration.
Content that promotes or endorses groups labeled as terrorist organizations by the U.S., such as Hamas, Hezbollah, or the Houthi movement from Yemen, will be flagged as anti-Semitic.
This policy shift comes after recent moves by the administration to revoke student visas—even for those already residing in the U.S.—despite the First Amendment’s protection of free speech.
Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security, stated, “Anyone who thinks they can use free speech rights to endorse anti-Semitic violence or terrorism is not welcome in America.”
Department spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin further clarified that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will now consider social media activity that promotes anti-Semitic ideologies or groups as a negative influence in immigration-related decisions.
The new regulation is effective immediately and impacts both student visa applicants and those seeking permanent residency (green cards).
Read More: US Abruptly Cancels Student Visas Without Prior Notice
Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed last month that around 300 individuals have already had their visas revoked, with more cases under review.
He emphasized that visa determinations are the responsibility of his office, not the judiciary, and non-citizens do not enjoy the same rights as U.S. citizens.
Several individuals whose visas were revoked assert that they were not involved in anti-Semitic activities but were simply attending protests without engaging in anti-Jewish rhetoric.
One notable case is Mahmoud Khalil, a U.S. green card holder, who led protests at Columbia University and is now facing deportation proceedings in Louisiana.
The Trump administration has also withdrawn federal funding from several prestigious universities, accusing them of insufficiently addressing anti-Semitic incidents during protests related to the Gaza conflict
