US to Deny Visas Over ‘Inappropriate’ Social Posts
A new set of immigration policies declared from the U.S. shall evaluate the social media history of visa and green card applicants for content that could be defined as anti-Semitic by the Trump administration.
Apparently, immigration authorities have confirmed on the 9th of April Wednesday that individuals who have expressed support for groups designated as terrorist organizations by the U.S. government, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and Yemen’s Houthi rebels, to be classified as potential immigration risks for entry to the United States.
Apparently, this policy that has immediate effect marks a very sad change from the previous Trump administration policies, along with officials stating that scrutinizing social media would now play a key role in the evaluation of applications for entry into the U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized that individuals promoting or supporting what the administration considers anti-Semitic rhetoric or actions would not be permitted to enter or remain in the United States.
Tricia McLaughlin, spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, said, “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”.
According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, any online content advocating for “anti-Semitic terrorism” or any associated organizations will be treated as a weighable negative consideration in assessing immigration benefits and relevant for student visas as well as green cards.
The visa of approximately 300 individuals revoked by Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that these actions continue.
“Non-U.S. citizens do not have the same rights as Americans, and it is at my discretion to issue or deny visas-not that of the courts.”
The plan has drawn much controversy, especially after Mahmoud Khalil, a prominent protest leader at Columbia University, was deported and is now under removal proceedings, despite being a U.S. permanent resident. Some of the persons affected claim they were targeted not for their speech but for their presence at protests or demonstrations.
Moreover, the Trump administration has cut off federal funding for numerous large institutions, accusing them of not adequately handling anti-Semitism on campus during a period rife with protests against the Gaza conflict.
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