USCIS to Start Monitoring Social Media Activity for Antisemitic Activity

By: Vandana Marath

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that they will review noncitizen’s social media accounts for antisemitic content during the adjudication process. The change aligns with two executive orders signed by President Trump: “Combatting Anti-Semitism, Additional Measures to Combat Anti-Semitism” and “Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats”.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has vowed to enforce the new regulations and claims they are designed to safeguard the country from antisemitic terrorism. Specifically, they aim to target individuals suspected of supporting Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, or Ansar Allah (Houthis).

The new policy is effective immediately and will impact individuals applying for lawful permanent resident status, foreign students, and those associated with an educational institution that has been linked to antisemitism.

The Chugh, LLP immigration team is closely monitoring the evolving situation and will continue to provide updates as they become available. If you have any questions regarding social media screening, visa or change of status applications, or other immigration concerns, contact the trusted attorneys at Chugh, LLP.