US to screen immigrants’ social media for ‘antisemitic’ activity

The U.S. now will screen immigrants’ social media posts to check for what it considers “antisemitic” content.

It is not clear what that constitutes. 

In many cases, any criticism of Israeli actions will be construed as antisemitism, no matter how valid.

The new policy applies to those seeking permanent residency, foreign students, and university affiliates.

The Department of Homeland Security or DHS says the move aims to bolster national security and stop supporters of what it claims is “antisemitic” violence or terrorism.

Groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and Yemen’s Houthis were named as “antisemitic” terrorist organizations.

Support for these groups could lead to visa denials or deportations.

DHS says there is no room in America for terrorist sympathizers.

Officials have warned that advocating for antisemitic violence under the First Amendment will not be tolerated.

The decision follows executive orders issued by President Donald Trump to combat antisemitism.

It also comes amid a broader crackdown on students and academics advocating for the end of Israel’s genocide in Gaza.

Recent cases include the detention of Turkish doctoral student Rumeysa Ozturk from Tufts University and Columbia University Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil.

Ozturk was on a student visa and Khalis was a legal permanent resident in the U.S. 

Rights groups say the new policy violates free speech protections.