The United States is rolling out major changes to its immigration policies, signaling a tougher stance on who gets to live, work, and become a citizen. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued new guidance that gives immigration officers expanded discretion when reviewing applications for visas, green cards, and citizenship.

The most significant shift? Applicants who display anti-American behavior or support extremist ideologies could now see their immigration benefits denied outright.

“Immigration is a Privilege, Not a Right”

In a statement, Matthew Tragesser, spokesperson for USCIS, emphasized the reasoning behind the policy:

“America’s benefits should not be given to those who despise the country and promote anti-American ideologies. Immigration benefits—including the right to live and work in the United States—remain a privilege, not a right.”

The move comes amid a broader government effort to ensure that future immigrants align with American values, not just meet basic eligibility criteria.

A New ‘Character Test’ for Immigrants

Until now, immigration applications—especially for US citizenship—relied heavily on a checklist approach. Meeting requirements such as residency duration, clean criminal records, and tax compliance typically led to approval.

Under the new framework, however, USCIS officers will take a holistic view of an applicant’s character:

• Positive factors: Family ties, community service, volunteer work, and evidence of civic engagement.
• Negative factors: Criminal records, affiliations with extremist or terrorist groups, antisemitic activities, and anti-American rhetoric online.

Importantly, social media activity will now be scrutinized as part of the vetting process. Posts that support extremist groups or promote anti-American views can carry “overwhelmingly negative weight” in discretionary decisions.

The Good Moral Character Memo – What’s Changed?

On August 15, 2025, USCIS released an updated memorandum on “good moral character”. The memo grants officers greater flexibility to deny applications based on a range of behaviors, including:

• Endorsement of terrorist organizations or antisemitic groups.
• Fraud or security threats in investor visa programs like EB-5.
• Associations or activities that undermine US national security or values.

Even F-1 student visa holders are under increased scrutiny. Discretionary reviews now include whether students have engaged in protests or online activities seen as sympathetic to extremist causes.

Impact on International Students

The policy shift has already affected international students in the US. Earlier this year, hundreds of F-1 visas were canceled following accusations that some students expressed support for extremist causes through social media or campus protests.

While some cases were later reinstated, the episode highlighted a stark reality: non-citizens enjoy fewer protections under US law compared to citizens.

In fact, the White House previously announced plans to revoke visas of “Hamas sympathizers” on campuses—a move now backed by USCIS’s expanded vetting measures.

Free Speech vs. Immigration Privileges

While First Amendment rights protect free speech for US citizens, non-citizens are not afforded the same guarantees when applying for immigration benefits.

Under the new rules, lawful speech for a US citizen—such as expressing controversial opinions—could still jeopardize a non-citizen’s visa or citizenship application if deemed anti-American.

However, the updated guidance also offers opportunities for redemption. Applicants with minor past offenses may still succeed if they demonstrate reform, civic contribution, and commitment to US values.

What This Means for Future Immigrants

The numbers show how significant this shift could be: in 2024, more than 818,000 people became US citizens through naturalization. Going forward, future applicants will face not only a test of eligibility but also a test of loyalty.

For those seeking a US visa, green card, or citizenship, the message is clear:
Demonstrate commitment to American values—or risk losing the opportunity to call America home.