Key Points
- Screening for Antisemitism: USCIS will consider social media activity that indicates antisemitic views or support for terrorist organizations.
- Immigration Benefit Requests: This screening will immediately affect foreign nationals applying for lawful permanent resident status, international students, and foreign nationals affiliated with educational institutions linked to antisemitic activity.
- Consistency with Executive Order: This policy aligns with President Trump’s executive orders on combating antisemitism and protecting national security.
Overview
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin screening foreign nationals’ social media activity for antisemitism when evaluating immigration benefit requests. This move is part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) efforts to combat antisemitism and protect the US from foreign terrorists and national security threats.
Moving forward, USCIS will consider social media content that indicates a foreign national endorsing, espousing, promoting, or supporting antisemitic terrorism, antisemitic terrorist organizations, or other antisemitic activity as a negative factor in any USCIS discretionary analysis when adjudicating immigration benefit requests.
This guidance is effective as of April 9, 2025.
Looking Ahead
Immigration stakeholders should closely monitor how this policy is applied in practice. Applicants and sponsoring organizations should review publicly accessible online activity for potential compliance risks. Legal counsel may be essential for individuals with complex cases or past online statements that could be misinterpreted. Additional implementation guidance or legal challenges may emerge as the policy is enacted across USCIS adjudications.
Content in this publication is for informational purposes only and not intended as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. If you want guidance on how this information may impact your particular situation and are a client of the Corporate Immigration Partners, PC, consult your attorney. If you are not a CIP client, consult another qualified professional. This website does not create an attorney-client relationship with CIP.
