In yet another tough move, the Donald Trump administration has directed immigration officers to screen visa and green card applicants for signs of “anti-Americanism,” including expanded checks on social media activity.
The new policy has raised concerns among thousands of Indian students and professionals hoping to secure visas, green cards, or citizenship, as approvals may now hinge on whether officials deem their past or present views sufficiently “pro-American.”
“Anti-American activity will be an overwhelmingly negative factor in any discretionary analysis,” stated the policy update by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Under the rules, officers will investigate whether applicants have shown involvement with anti-American or terrorist organisations, expressed antisemitic views, or engaged in activities considered hostile to the United States. Social media vetting — introduced earlier in June — will now be expanded to include searches for “anti-American activity.”
“America’s benefits should not be given to those who despise the country and promote anti-American ideologies,” USCIS spokesperson Matthew Tragesser said, stressing that immigration benefits remain “a privilege, not a right.”
The move comes as part of the Trump administration’s wider crackdown on immigration. Earlier this week, the State Department confirmed it had revoked over 6,000 student visas this year alone. Officials had also instructed US embassies and consulates to screen applicants for “hostile attitudes towards our citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles.”
The latest directive is expected to intensify fears among aspiring immigrants and international students, with critics warning it could discourage talent from coming to the US.
