Hajra Naz
Under a broad new immigration policy introduced by the US, foreign people who post social media content that is considered antisemitic or supportive of designated terrorist organizations may be denied visas, green cards, and other residency advantages. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the regulation on Wednesday, which went into force immediately.
Any display of support for organizations like;
- Hamas
- Hezbollah
- Palestinian Islamic Jihad
- Yemen’s Houthi rebels
All of which the United States has classified as terrorist organizations, will be viewed as grounds for visa rejection or revocation, DHS said.
“Not Welcome Here”: US Sends Strong Message to Foreign Nationals
Department spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said.
“Homeland Security Secretary Kristi 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 new policy underscores that non-citizens do not enjoy the same constitutional protections as American citizens when it comes to entry and immigration status.
Social Media Now Part of Immigration Screening
Immigration officials will take social media activity into account during the screening process, according to confirmation from US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The agency stated that.
“Content indicating an alien endorsing, espousing, promoting or supporting antisemitic terrorism, antisemitic terrorist organizations, or other antisemitic activity will count as a negative factor in immigration decisions”.
Any online endorsement of violent ideas or acts by terrorist organizations may be deemed antisemitic. The policy expressly mentions the Houthis, Hamas, Hezbollah, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, albeit no particular posts were mentioned as examples.
Impact on Students and Green Card Applicants
The policy applies to a variety of immigration applications, including student visas and green card applications. This setback is a step up in the fight against claimed antisemitic activities, especially in light of the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas and the surge in violent rallies worldwide.
Hundreds of Visas Revoked; Deportation Proceedings Underway
Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed that approximately 300 individuals have already had their visas revoked under the policy, and revocations are now occurring daily. Rubio stated.
“Non-US citizens do not have the same rights as Americans. It is at my discretion, not that of judges, to issue or deny visas.”
Among the most high-profile cases is Mahmoud Khalil, a US permanent resident and student activist involved in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University. Khalil has been transferred to a detention facility in Louisiana pending deportation proceedings.
University Funding Cut Over Antisemitism Allegations
The Trump administration withdrew government financing for the pro-Palestinian demonstrations due to accusations of antisemitism. During pro-Palestinian demonstrations, which also included backing terrorist organizations like Hamas, there have been multiple accusations of antisemitism on campus.
With 5,000 members, Hamas started attacking Israel on October 7, 2023, escalating the conflict. Approximately 1,200 individuals were slain during this operation, and 251 hostages were taken. There are thought to be 24 hostages in Gaza at the moment.
Students at the university have been chanting and displaying signs that call for the Israeli state to be demolished and are in support of the brutal attacks. The majority of these campus-based groups that are at the forefront of these protests do not acknowledge the call for the hostages to be released.
Critics Raise Concerns Over Free Speech
Balance policy has attracted attention from civil rights advocates who fear it may have the effect of curtailing free speech, especially regarding politically motivated speech in the form of protest. Some individuals stripped of visas have claimed they never expressed antisemitism and were merely present at protest sites.
Nevertheless, DHS maintains that support for terrorist organizations—whether online or in public demonstrations—will not be tolerated by the U.S. government, regardless of First Amendment arguments.
