DHS to Begin Screening Social Media for Antisemitism – What This Means for Immigrants and Visa Holders
Written by Jaza Khan
On April 9, 2024, USCIS released a statement saying that it will now consider antisemitic activity on social media as a negative factor when reviewing immigration benefit requests. This policy applies to non-citizens applying for green cards, international students, and even individuals affiliated with organizations accused of antisemitism.
This policy follows several executive orders issued by former President Trump — including Combating Anti-Semitism, Additional Measures to Combat Anti-Semitism, and Protecting the U.S. from Foreign Terrorists — and signals that DHS intends to fully enforce immigration laws to keep out those it labels “extremists” or “terrorist sympathizers.”
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated:
“There is no room in the United States for the rest of the world’s terrorist sympathizers… You are not welcome here.”
What’'s Really Going On?
This policy isn’t just about targeting terrorism — it’s about targeting political speech. Specifically, it’s being used to target Palestinian voices and those who support them. In recent cases like Mahmoud Khalil and Rumeysa Ozturk, simply attending a protest or having Palestinian-related content on a phone or social media account has triggered detention or deportation.
The definition of “antisemitism” being used is broad and vague. It may include:
Criticism of the Israeli government
Support for Palestinian human rights
Sharing news stories about Gaza
Though the policy claims to address hate speech, it also risks silencing and intimidating people based on political beliefs — especially those who express solidarity with Palestine.
What You Need to Know
USCIS says it will now consider any online content that “endorses, promotes, or supports antisemitic terrorism or organizations” when evaluating immigration applications. And it’s not just USCIS — CBP, ICE, and the State Department are involved too. This includes:
Social media activity
Content saved on personal devices
Full electronic device searches (even at preclearance locations abroad)
This isn’t entirely new. There have already been reports of border agents demanding travelers unlock their phones or laptops during inspections — and not just for non-citizens. Green card holders and even U.S. citizens have been affected.
What You Can Do to Protect Yourself
If you’re a non-citizen — whether applying for an immigration benefit, holding a visa, or simply visiting the U.S. — it’s important to be aware that your online activity and digital presence could be used against you. In light of increased scrutiny from immigration agencies, there are a few steps you can take to protect yourself.
Start by reviewing and cleaning up your social media accounts. Consider removing posts, likes, or follows that could be misinterpreted or viewed as extreme, even if that wasn’t your intent. Next, be cautious about what’s on your devices. Border officials may ask to inspect your phone or laptop, so avoid saving or leaving open content that might be seen as controversial or politically sensitive.
You should also be mindful of what you post online — even academic or peaceful political opinions can be twisted out of context under these broad enforcement policies. Finally, be prepared when traveling through U.S. borders. While it’s essential to know your rights, it’s also important to understand that declining to cooperate with officials — even when lawful — can lead to delays or additional complications.
This policy is just one more example of how immigration law is increasingly being used to suppress political dissent. It’s not solely about national security — it’s also about controlling narratives and targeting people based on their beliefs or affiliations.
At Lehigh Valley Immigration Law, we believe that freedom of expression and immigration justice go hand in hand. If you’re concerned that your online presence, social media activity, or affiliations may impact your case, we’re here to help. Please don’t hesitate to reach out — we’ll help you navigate this evolving and often unpredictable system with clarity and care.