Immigration authorities confirmed on Wednesday, April 9 that the U.S. government may be denied entry or residence rights for individuals designated as terrorist groups, including Hamas, Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
The policy came into effect immediately, marking a significant expansion of the Trump administration’s immigration approach, with officials asserting that social media will now be a key factor in evaluating applications. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stressed that individuals who promote or support the government’s belief that anti-Semitic speech or action will not be allowed to enter or stay in the United States.
“Anyone who thinks they can come to the United States and hide behind the First Amendment that advocates anti-Semitic violence and terrorism – again consider it. Not welcome here,” said Homeland Security spokesman Tricia McLaughlin.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service notes that promoting “anti-Semitism” or online content from related organizations will be seen as a negative factor in assessing immigration benefits. This policy applies to student visa and green card applications.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has revoked visas for about 300 people and said such actions are underway. “Not the U.S. citizen does not have the same rights as an American, and I can issue or refuse a visa at my own discretion, not a court visa,” Rubio said.
The move has caused controversy, especially after being deported by Mahmoud Khalil, a prominent protest leader at Columbia University, who is still facing evacuation procedures even though he is a permanent resident of the United States. Some affected people believe that they are targeted not for their speeches, but for protests or where such demonstrations occur.
In addition, the Trump administration has withdrawn federal funds from several major universities, accusing them of failing to fully address anti-Semitism on campus amid widespread protests against the Gaza conflict.
