A change in U.S. immigration policy is drawing attention, as reports come in that green card applicants could now be denied entry based on anti Israel or antisemitic views or activity on social media

According to new guidelines tied to the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement strategy, officials are expanding their use of social media vetting to screen applicants for what they define as “anti-American and antisemitic views.”

The policy is building on earlier moves by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which already began reviewing immigrants’ online activity for antisemitic behavior or support for extremist causes. Training materials and internal guidance include examples where “demonization of Israel”, including certain types of anti Israel ideas, will be considered a negative factor in evaluating applications. That means posts, comments, or affiliations on platforms like X, Instagram, or Facebook could directly impact whether someone is granted permanent residency in the United States.

Officials framed the policy as a matter of national security and public safety, arguing that the U.S. is not obligated to admit individuals who support extremist ideologies or promote hatred toward Jewish communities. The expansion is part of a trend in immigration enforcement, where authorities are relying on digital footprints as part of the vetting process. Applicants are often required to provide social media handles, allowing officers to review years of online activity when making decisions.