The Trump administration is planning to expand its crackdown on immigrant admissions into the United States by screening people seeking green cards and student visas for antisemitism.
On Wednesday, the Department of Homeland Security’s Citizenship and Immigration Services announced it will begin considering immigrants’ antisemitic posts on social media when approving requests for lawful permanent residence and visas for foreign students and individuals at educational institutions.
“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,” Tricia McLaughlin, DHS assistant secretary for public affairs, said in a statement. “Secretary Noem has made it clear that 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.”
The screening will begin immediately, according to the DHS, and will involve looking at comments made online and instances of physical harassment of Jewish people.