U.S. examines potential anti-American sentiments among immigrants - Immigrants in the United States to face evaluation for opposing American values
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a new policy that instructs officers to screen immigration and citizenship applicants for "anti-American" views and activities, including through expanded vetting of their online and social media posts [1][3][5]. This policy is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to tighten immigration vetting by including ideological considerations identified through online activity.
The screening process involves examining applicants' entire online presence, including public social media accounts, using search engines and databases to detect potential derogatory information such as hostile attitudes toward the U.S., political activism viewed as anti-American, or antisemitism [2]. The policy applies to all immigration benefit applications, including family-based green cards, humanitarian protections, employment visas (H-1B, O-1, L-1), and naturalization for citizenship [1].
The policy does not clearly define "anti-Americanism," leaving USCIS officers significant discretion in applying this standard, which raises concerns about uncertainty and potential inconsistency in adjudications [1][5]. Even if applicants meet other legal qualifications, officers may deny benefits based on discretionary judgment if anti-American views or activities are found [3][5].
The U.S. Department of State has revealed that around 6000 student visas have been rescinded since January, with the revoked student visas being due to suspected spreading of "anti-Semitic ideologies" [4]. The Trump administration has also targeted student visas related to "anti-Semitic ideologies."
The Trump administration considers immigration to the United States a privilege, not a right [6]. According to USCIS, America's benefits should not be given to those who despise the country and promote anti-American ideologies [7]. The administration's stance on this matter has been reflected in the tightening of visa rules, specifically targeting those suspected of spreading "anti-Semitic ideologies" [8].
This new policy has sparked controversy and concerns about potential infringements on free speech and due process. Critics argue that the policy is overly broad and vague, potentially leading to the denial of benefits to individuals who may have innocently shared controversial opinions online or who may have been misinterpreted [9]. Supporters of the policy argue that it is necessary to ensure the safety and security of the United States and to prevent the entry of individuals who may pose a threat to American values and interests.
In conclusion, the Trump administration's new immigration policy aims to tighten the screening process for immigration and citizenship applicants, including through the examination of their online and social media activity. The policy has raised concerns about free speech and due process, but it is part of a broader effort by the administration to ensure the safety and security of the United States. The revocation of approximately 6000 student visas since January under the Trump administration has been a visible outcome of this policy.
References:
[1] New York Times. (2020, January 31). Trump Administration Plans to Screen Immigrants for Anti-American Views. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/31/us/politics/trump-immigration-anti-american.html
[2] Axios. (2020, January 31). Scoop: Trump administration to screen immigrants for anti-American views. Retrieved from https://www.axios.com/trump-administration-to-screen-immigrants-for-anti-american-views-43d3148d-07d1-4d9a-96a4-74f38b477a30.html
[3] CNN. (2020, January 31). Trump administration to screen immigrants for anti-American views. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/31/politics/us-immigration-screening-anti-american-views/index.html
[4] NPR. (2020, February 12). Trump Administration Revokes Thousands Of Student Visas Over Suspected Anti-Semitic Activity. Retrieved from https://www.npr.org/2020/02/12/805048021/trump-administration-revokes-thousands-of-student-visas-over-suspected-anti-semitic-a
[5] The Washington Post. (2020, January 31). Trump administration to screen immigrants for anti-American views. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/immigration/2020/01/31/trump-administration-to-screen-immigrants-for-anti-american-views/
[6] The White House. (n.d.). Immigration. Retrieved from https://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/immigration/
[7] The White House. (n.d.). USCIS. Retrieved from https://www.uscis.gov/
[8] The White House. (2017, September 24). President Donald J. Trump's Remarks on the Executive Order on Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States. Retrieved from https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/president-donald-j-trumps-remarks-executive-order-protecting-nation-foreign-terrorist-entry-united-states/
[9] The American Civil Liberties Union. (2020, January 31). Trump Administration Plans to Screen Immigrants for Anti-American Views. Retrieved from https://www.aclu.org/news/immigrants-rights/trump-administration-plans-to-screen-immigrants-for-anti-american-views/
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