The United States has introduced a new immigration policy that will closely monitor the social media activity of visa and green card applicants for content considered antisemitic by the Trump administration.
Announced on Wednesday, April 9, the policy targets individuals who express support for groups labelled as terrorist organizations by the U.S. government—such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and Yemen’s Houthi rebels—potentially barring them from entering or residing in the country.
This immediate policy shift significantly broadens the administration’s immigration stance.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stressed that applicants endorsing what the government defines as antisemitic rhetoric or behaviour will be denied entry or status.
“Anyone who thinks they can come to America and use the First Amendment to promote antisemitic violence and terrorism—think again. You are not welcome here,” said DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services confirmed that digital content supporting “antisemitic terrorism” or affiliated entities would negatively impact immigration decisions. This applies across both student visas and green card evaluations.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has already rescinded the visas of around 300 individuals and made clear such efforts will continue. He stated, “Non-citizens don’t enjoy the same rights as Americans, and visa issuance is at my discretion, not the courts.”
Controversy followed the deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University protest leader and green card holder, now facing removal despite not personally posting content. Others claim they were targeted merely for attending protests.
The administration has also cut federal funding from several universities, accusing them of insufficiently combating antisemitism amid ongoing protests over the Gaza conflict.
