The Donald Trump administration has issued new immigration guidance that expands disqualifying factors for Green Cards, now including anti-Israel and pro-Palestine social media posts, according to a report by The New York Times. The guidance provides examples of what can be considered anti-Israel and grounds for denying a Green Card.
Examples of Disqualifying Posts
Social media posts that declare something like 'Stop Israeli Terror in Palestine' or display the Israeli flag crossed out are enough to deny a Green Card, the report said. Participating in pro-Palestinian campus protests or desecrating the American flag can also jeopardize Green Card chances.
USCIS Role Under Trump 2.0
The materials were distributed last month to immigration officers at US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which is part of the Department of Homeland Security and handles applications for Green Cards and other forms of legal status. The NYT report observed how the role of the USCIS changed under the Trump 2.0 administration from a legal immigration agency to a deportation machinery.
List of 'Overwhelmingly Negative Factors'
- Endorsing, promoting or supporting anti-American views
- Endorsing antisemitic terrorism, ideologies or groups
- Support for 'subversive' ideologies, such as holding a sign advocating overthrow of the US government
- Desecration of the American flag
- Engaging in on-campus anti-American and antisemitic activities after 2023
- Social media posts showing a map of Israel with the nation's name crossed out and replaced with the word 'Palestine'
- Social media posts suggesting Israelis should taste what people in Gaza are tasting
Review Process for Cases
If these negative factors are spotted, immigration officers must elevate all cases involving 'potential anti-American and/or antisemitic conduct or ideology' to their managers and to the agency's general counsel's office for review, according to the documents. A Green Card gives lawful permanent residence to an individual eligible under US immigration law who does not have any serious criminal record and entered the country legally. However, the USCIS said they are now checking old cases as they believe the vetting was lax during the Biden administration and they will recheck those cases and revoke Green Cards to individuals whom they now consider ineligible.
