In a significant shift to U.S. immigration rules, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that applications for immigration benefits—including Green Cards—will now be evaluated for evidence of “anti-Americanism.” The change, introduced under the Trump administration, highlights growing scrutiny over foreign applicants’ views, both online and offline.

What’s New in the USCIS Policy?

According to the agency’s updated Policy Manual, USCIS officers must now consider an applicant’s social media activity and public behavior when reviewing immigration benefit requests. This applies to applications for Green Cards, student visas, work permits, and even U.S. citizenship.

The agency has clarified that any activity considered “anti-American” will count as a major negative factor during the discretionary review process.

This includes:

• Endorsing or promoting anti-American views
• Supporting or expressing sympathy for terrorist organizations or extremist groups
• Public hostility toward U.S. citizens, culture, institutions, or government principles

While officials have not offered a precise definition of “anti-American activity,” the move is loosely based on existing U.S. immigration laws that historically barred applicants who supported communism, totalitarianism, or the overthrow of the U.S. government.

Social Media Now Under the Scanner

As part of the expanded screening process, social media accounts will be reviewed for signs of hostility toward the United States. This is an extension of previous rules introduced under the Trump administration, where potential international students were required to disclose their social media details when applying for a visa.

According to media reports, over 1,000 foreign students had their visas revoked as of April 14, mostly linked to alleged political activity amid the ongoing war in Gaza. Some students have strongly denied accusations of antisemitic or “pro-terrorist” sentiments.

What USCIS Officers Are Expected to Check

USCIS guidance now directs officers to weigh whether an applicant has:

• Espoused anti-American views (statements, public posts, affiliations)
• Promoted or endorsed groups hostile to the U.S., such as terrorist organizations
• Failed to demonstrate good moral character, as evaluated under immigration law

The agency says that such behavior could result in the denial of discretionary immigration benefits, even if the applicant otherwise meets traditional eligibility requirements.

Good Moral Character Standard Tightened

Earlier this year, USCIS also announced a broader interpretation of the “good moral character” standard used in citizenship applications.

Previously, this was largely tied to the absence of criminal convictions or immigration violations. Under the new criteria, the definition now expands to include:

• Adherence to U.S. societal norms
• Demonstrated positive contributions to society
• Respect for America’s cultural and constitutional values

Put simply, immigration officers now have more discretion to deny applications based not only on legal violations but also on perceived attitudes toward U.S. institutions and culture.

Official Statement

A USCIS spokesperson stated that individuals who harbor anti-American beliefs should not benefit from U.S. immigration privileges. “America should not extend opportunities to those who do not respect or support it,” spokesperson Matthew Tragesser told Newsweek.

Who Is Affected and When Does It Start?

The policy update is already in effect and applies to all pending and newly filed applications as of the date of announcement. That means immigrants currently waiting for decisions on their Green Card, work permit, or student visa applications may be impacted by this new scrutiny.

Final Thoughts

The latest USCIS policy change signals a tougher immigration stance under the Trump administration, blending border security concerns with ideological evaluations. While the move is intended to safeguard U.S. values, it also raises questions about free speech and how “anti-Americanism” will be interpreted in practice.

For now, applicants seeking U.S. immigration benefits—especially Green Cards—will need to be increasingly mindful of their public image, online activity, and political affiliations as part of the screening process.