U.S. to Monitor Foreign Residents' Social Media for Antisemitism: 'No Room for Terrorist Sympathizers'

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The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said on Wednesday that it will begin treating antisemitic activity on social media and instances of physical harassment of Jewish individuals as grounds to deny immigration benefits.

The guidance, which has already gone into effect, applies to applicants for permanent residency, student visas, and individuals affiliated with educational institutions linked to antisemitic conduct.

"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," said DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin in a statement. "Sec. (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."

USCIS will now consider any online content endorsing or supporting antisemitic terrorism or organizations, including Hamas, Hezbollah, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and Ansar Allah (also known as Yemen's Houthi rebels), when evaluating immigration benefit applications. According to DHS, posts or affiliations that signal support for such groups may be treated as a "negative factor" in discretionary adjudications.

The announcement builds on broader efforts by the Trump administration to expand social media surveillance of immigrants. According to a February report by The Intercept, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is seeking private contractors to provide real-time monitoring of online discussions about the agency and its operations.

According to the report, ICE's procurement documents call for tracking "negative references" to the agency on social media and assessing "behavioral and social media sentiment," with the capability to collect personal data such as addresses, employment, and family affiliations. ICE is also requesting facial recognition tools as part of the program.

Another report by The Intercept revealed that USCIS is extending similar monitoring to immigrants already residing in the U.S., including those applying for green cards, asylum, or citizenship. Citing Executive Order 14161, signed in January 2025, USCIS stated the policy is aimed at "rigorous vetting" of individuals who may express "hostile attitudes" toward the U.S. or support for terrorism.