WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — The Trump administration has ordered immigration officials to investigate “anti-American” views among immigrants applying for benefits such as green cards, work permits, and student status changes. The new policy, announced Tuesday by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), expands the government’s ability to deny applications even when applicants meet legal requirements.
The directive instructs USCIS officers to determine whether applicants have endorsed, promoted, or supported anti-American views or the views of terrorist groups. Officials will also review applicants’ social media posts for evidence of such activity.
If applicants are linked to groups that promote antisemitism, terrorism, or other anti-American beliefs, USCIS officers must weigh that connection as a major negative factor in deciding whether to approve applications.
The rule applies to immigration benefits considered discretionary, meaning the agency can deny them even if applicants qualify under U.S. law. This includes many green card and work permit applications, as well as requests to change immigration status.
While the guidance does not offer a precise definition, USCIS said it will follow immigration law provisions that already bar people from U.S. citizenship if they advocate communism, totalitarianism, violence against officials, or the overthrow of the government.
That broad language leaves room for interpretation. Immigration experts warn it could give officials wide latitude to reject applications based on personal or political beliefs.
“This memo gives USCIS adjudicators even more reasons than before to deny a petition on discretionary grounds,” said Stephen Yale-Loehr, a professor of immigration law at Cornell Law School. He called the new standards “very subjective.”
The directive also orders officials to review whether applicants misused a policy known as parole to enter the United States. Parole allows entry for immigrants who would not otherwise qualify.
The Biden administration used parole on a large scale to ease pressure at the southern border, offering migrants a legal pathway into the country. The Trump administration’s new memo directs USCIS officers to look for “false or fraudulent” information in parole applications.
Matthew Tragesser, the top spokesperson for USCIS, defended the policy. He said the directive ensures that U.S. immigration benefits go only to those who respect the country.
“U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is committed to implementing policies and procedures that root out anti-Americanism and support rigorous screening and vetting measures to the fullest extent possible,” Tragesser said.
This directive follows other recent steps to tighten immigration standards. Last week, USCIS said it would expand its assessment of “good moral character” in the citizenship process.
In the past, applicants generally passed if they had no serious criminal history. Under the new policy, officials will consider a wider range of factors, including community involvement, repeated traffic violations, and other conduct. Social media activity will also play a larger role in the review process.
President Donald Trump has made cracking down on illegal immigration a central part of his second term. At the same time, his administration has moved to restrict legal immigration by expanding vetting and giving officials more power to deny applications.
The latest directive adds another layer of scrutiny for immigrants seeking to build their lives in the United States. Immigration lawyers say the vague definition of “anti-American” could create uncertainty for thousands of applicants.
Critics argue the policy risks punishing people for their speech, political opinions, or online activity. Supporters say it strengthens national security and ensures that U.S. immigration benefits are reserved for those who truly support the country.
The USCIS guidance took effect immediately. Immigration attorneys expect to see more denials based on discretionary grounds in the coming months.
As the administration enforces its new rules, debates will continue over how the government should balance national security with the rights of immigrants. For now, applicants face greater scrutiny not only of their criminal records but also of their views, associations, and even traffic tickets.
