US to Block Visa Applicants Over Social Media Posts
U.S. immigration officials are now incorporating the review of applicants' social media activity for visas or residence permits into their evaluation process to assess eligibility.
The authorities have stated that under President Donald Trump's administration, visas and permits will be denied to individuals who share content deemed antisemitic on social media platforms.
Anti-Semitic content will encompass social media activities that back militant organizations designated as terrorist entities by the United States, such as Hamas, Lebanon’s Hezbollah, and Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
This action came after the Trump administration made headlines by revoking student visas for individuals within the U.S., despite the guarantee of free speech under the Constitution’s First Amendment.
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In a statement by Tricia McLaughlin , Homeland Security spokesman, Secretary Kristi Noem "made it clear that anyone who thinks they can come to America and hide behind the First Amendment to advocate for anti-Semitic violence and terrorism — think again. You are not welcome here."
The statement added that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services “will consider social media content that indicates an alien endorsing, espousing, promoting or supporting anti-Semitic terrorism, anti-Semitic terrorist organisations or other anti-Semitic activity as a negative factor."
The authorities disclosed that the policy takes effect immediately and applies to student visas and requests for permanent resident “green cards” to stay in the United States.
Recall that Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced last month that he has stripped some 300 people of their visas and was doing so on a daily basis, stressing that non-U.S. citizens don't have the same rights as Americans.
He said the decision to issue or deny a visa was at his discretion, not that of judges.
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