The Trump administration announced Tuesday that it will begin reviewing applicants’ social media activity more closely, with a particular focus on content deemed “anti-American.”

 

In a statement, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) confirmed that the new measures will add “reviews for anti-American activity” to the vetting process.

 

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

 

The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, which first codified restrictions tied to anti-Americanism, initially centered on communist activity. The new directive broadens that definition, instructing officials to scrutinize whether applicants express hostility toward US citizens, government institutions, or founding principles.

 

The latest guidance also states that visa officers will check for applicants who “promote anti-Semitic ideologies.” This comes as the administration has increasingly targeted university students and faculty who participated in protests against 'Israel’s' war in Gaza, accusing them of anti-Semitism, an accusation organizers firmly reject.

 

Over the past year, student visa policies have been tightened dramatically. In April, hundreds of international students saw their legal status revoked or altered, only for many cases to be reversed weeks later. May brought a temporary suspension of student visa interviews, and in June, new social media screening rules were rolled out for academic applicants.

 

The State Department said Monday that since Secretary of State Marco Rubio took office in January, 6,000 student visas have been revoked. Of those, officials said roughly 4,000 involved criminal violations, citing offenses such as assault, burglary, driving under the influence, and alleged support for terrorism.