US considers visa cancellations over social media content

The US government is considering revoking visas and residence permits based on evaluations of social media content, according to immigration authorities. This new measure aims to scrutinize posts deemed anti-Semitic by the administration of President Donald Trump.

The policy specifically targets online activity that expresses support for groups classified as terrorist organizations by the US, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis in Yemen. Content related to these groups may be used as grounds for revoking student visas or denying applications for permanent residency.

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This initiative follows a controversial decision by the Trump administration to cancel student visas, which has raised alarms among civil liberties advocates. The First Amendment of the US Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, and there are concerns that this new approach could infringe on that right.

Tricia McLaughlin, spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, stated, “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 anti-Semitic violence and terrorism — think again. You are not welcome here.”

Under the new guidelines, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will classify social media content indicating support, endorsement, promotion, or defense of anti-Semitic terrorism or terrorist organizations as a “negative factor” in visa and immigration assessments.

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The rules take immediate effect and apply to both student visas and applications for permanent residency, affecting Green Card holders as well.