US to assess ‘anti-Americanism’ in immigration decisions
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Social media vetting will be expanded for those seeking to stay in the US or become citizens.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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- The Trump administration plans to scrutinise social media for "anti-American" views when deciding on immigration benefits.
- This expanded vetting will include looking for promotion of "anti-Semitic ideologies," as per the US Immigration and Nationality Act.
- The administration believes "America's benefits should not be given to those who despise the country," according to spokesman Matthew Tragesser.
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WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump’s administration said on Aug 19 that it would look for “anti-American” views, including on social media, when deciding on the right to live in the US.
US Citizenship and Immigration Services, which handles requests to stay in the US or become a citizen, said it would expand vetting of the social media postings of applicants.
“America’s benefits should not be given to those who despise the country and promote anti-American ideologies,” agency spokesman Matthew Tragesser said in a statement.
“Immigration benefits – including to live and work in the United States – remain a privilege, not a right.”
The US Immigration and Nationality Act, which dates back to 1952, defines anti-Americanism, which at the time primarily focused on communists.
But the Trump administration has already moved aggressively to deny or rescind short-term visas for people thought to go against US foreign policy interests, especially on Israel.
The latest guidance on immigration decisions said the authorities will also look at whether applicants “promote anti-Semitic ideologies”.
The Trump administration has accused students and universities of anti-Semitism over protests against Israel’s offensive in the Gaza Strip, charges denied by many of the activists.
The State Department said on Aug 18 that it has revoked 6,000 student visas
