The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has screened the social media activity of 3,568 immigrants as part of a stringent new vetting process, according to the Trump administration’s “First 100 Days” report. According to a USCIS statement, the agency has adopted a targeted approach to scrutinize social media content for indications of anti-Americanism, antisemitic terrorism, or support for related ideologies and organizations.
Announced on April 9, 2025, USCIS immediately began evaluating the social media activity of foreign nationals applying for immigration benefits. This policy, which aligns with the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) efforts to strengthen national security, targets non-citizens seeking lawful permanent resident status, foreign students, and individuals affiliated with educational institutions associated with antisemitic activities.
It also considers physical acts of harassment against Jewish individuals as grounds for denying immigration requests. USCIS’s statement in the report emphasizes that social media content indicating an individual endorsing, espousing, promoting, or supporting antisemitic terrorism, antisemitic terrorist organizations—such as Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, and Ansar Allah (the Houthis)—or other antisemitic or anti-American activities will be treated as a negative factor in discretionary decisions for immigration benefits, including visas, green cards, and naturalization.
This initiative stems from President Trump’s executive orders titled “Combating Anti-Semitism,” “Additional Measures to Combat Anti-Semitism,” and “Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats.” These orders direct DHS to rigorously enforce immigration laws to prevent the entry or continued presence of individuals deemed a risk to public safety. The vetting process reflects growing concerns about extremist ideologies propagated online and aims to identify risks that may not surface through traditional background checks.
DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin underscored the administration’s resolute stance: “There is no room in the United States for the rest of the world’s terrorist sympathizers, and we are under no obligation to admit them or let them stay here.”
She highlighted DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s directive, stating, “Anyone who thinks they can come to America and hide behind the First Amendment to advocate for antisemitic violence and terrorism—think again. You are not welcome here.”
Beyond social media posts, evidence of physical antisemitic harassment will also weigh heavily against applicants. Critics raise concerns about the potential for subjective interpretations of terms like “anti-American activity” or the implications for privacy and free speech.
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Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
