US screens visa seekers’ social media for terrorism support

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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has implemented new screening measures to examine social media activity of visa applicants, specifically targeting those who have shown support for terrorist organizations or anti-Semitic terrorism.

According to a USCIS memo obtained by Blaze Media, the agency has begun immediate screening of social media posts from foreign nationals submitting certain benefit requests. The focus is particularly on identifying support for organizations like Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. This enhanced screening will affect individuals seeking permanent residency and student visas.

This initiative aligns with the Trump administration’s broader efforts to address disruptive protests on college campuses involving foreign nationals. The new measures stem from executive orders signed by President Donald Trump, requiring enhanced vetting procedures across multiple federal agencies, including the State Department, Justice Department, DHS, and national intelligence.

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Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin emphasized the administration’s stance, stating, “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. 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.”

The policy has already resulted in numerous student visa cancellations, sparking legal challenges. A notable case involved Momodou Taal, a former Cornell University student with dual citizenship in the UK and Gambia. After his visa was revoked due to social media posts calling for the destruction of the American “empire,” Taal opted for self-deportation when his legal attempt to halt the process failed.

Left-wing activist groups have strongly opposed these measures, organizing protests across college campuses and cities. During recent anti-Trump demonstrations, protesters marched to ICE headquarters in Washington, D.C., demanding the release of affected individuals like Mahmoud Khalil.

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio has defended the policy, stating, “If you apply for a visa to enter the United States and be a student, and you tell us that the reason why you’re coming to the United States is not just because you want to write op-eds, but because you want to participate in movements that are involved in doing things like vandalizing universities, harassing students, taking over buildings, creating a ruckus, we’re not going to give you a visa.”