The Trump administration announced Tuesday that immigration officials will begin screening applications for signs of “anti-Americanism,” expanding the criteria for denying green cards, work permits, and other immigration benefits.
The new Department of Homeland Security policy directs U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officers to check whether applicants have “endorsed, promoted, supported or otherwise espoused anti-American views,” including on social media. While officials did not define the term, they cited existing immigration law barring citizenship for those who advocate communism, totalitarianism, violence against officials, or the overthrow of the U.S. government.
The change follows recent USCIS guidance instructing officers to broaden reviews of applicants’ “good moral character,” a requirement for citizenship. The updated standard now considers “positive attributes and contributions” such as community involvement, caregiving, education, and stable employment, in addition to the absence of criminal activity.
Immigrants applying for citizenship already must pass English and civics tests, but the administration’s revisions mark a shift toward ideological screening. Critics warn the undefined “anti-Americanism” standard could create confusion and uneven enforcement, while supporters argue it strengthens national security by keeping out those hostile to U.S. values.
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