US tightens scrutiny on immigrants' social media posts
The United States has started reviewing the social media of foreigners applying for legal residency, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Officials are particularly focused on identifying anti-Semitic content, leading to concerns about what exactly Washington considers as such.
The Department of Homeland Security has announced that it will examine the social media activity of immigrants. The goal is to identify anti-Semitic content that could influence decisions regarding the granting of resident status.
This verification process applies to foreigners seeking legal permanent resident status, international students, and individuals associated with educational institutions.
The discovery of anti-Semitic content may result in the denial of immigration benefits. This aligns with regulations established under Donald Trump’s administration, aiming to "protecting the homeland from extremists."
Concerns regarding the Department of Homeland Security's announcement
The announcement has immediately raised concerns, including how the U.S. will determine what constitutes support for anti-Semitic activities, and whether any criticism of Israel or its military actions in Gaza could lead to someone being barred from the country.
The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression criticizes these actions, arguing they may restrict freedom of speech.
"The spirit of Joseph McCarthy is alive and well in the Trump administration, which has spent months dishonestly mischaracterizing legitimate criticism of the Israeli government’s war crimes in Gaza as antisemitic, pursuing witch hunts into American colleges, and threatening the free speech rights of immigrants," said Edward Ahmed Mitchell, deputy director of the 30-year-old Council on American-Islamic Relations, as quoted by Politico.
Meanwhile, the U.S. is revoking student visas and deporting students who participate in protests against the war in the Gaza Strip.
