US to deny visas, green cards over social media posts

The United States government has announced a new policy that will deny visas and permanent residency to individuals whose social media content is deemed anti-Semitic under the criteria set by the Trump administration.

According to a statement released by the Department of Homeland Security, immigration officials will assess applicants’ social media for content supportive of groups the US classifies as terrorist organizations, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and Yemen’s Houthi movement.

Posts viewed as endorsing such groups or promoting anti-Semitic violence will be treated as grounds for visa denial or revocation of immigration benefits.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized the administration's position, stating: “Anyone who thinks they can come to America and hide behind the First Amendment to advocate for anti-Semitic violence and terrorism – think again. You are not welcome here.”

The policy applies immediately to student visa applicants and those seeking permanent resident status (green cards). The move comes amid broader crackdowns on campus protests and immigration screenings, including the recent cancellation of hundreds of student visas.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio also revealed that over 300 visas had been revoked, noting that foreign nationals do not hold the same constitutional protections as US citizens. “It is my discretion, not that of judges, to issue or deny visas,” Rubio said.

Some individuals targeted under the policy have argued they were punished for participating in protests rather than for promoting anti-Semitism. One high-profile case involves Mahmoud Khalil, a permanent resident who led demonstrations at Columbia University and now faces deportation.