USCIS Expands ‘Anti-Americanism’ Screening for Immigrants Amidst Controversy

In a significant policy shift, US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced new measures to screen immigration applicants for “anti-Americanism,” a move that includes expanded social media vetting. Authorities confirmed the new policy on Tuesday, sparking immediate alarm among immigration advocates and legal experts who draw parallels to the McCarthy era.

The updated guidelines empower immigration officers to investigate applicants for any “involvement in anti-American or terrorist organizations” and “evidence of antisemitic activity.” This expands on social media screening practices previously introduced in June by the Trump administration, now specifically targeting “anti-American activity.”

USCIS spokesperson Matthew Tragesser stated in a news release that the agency is “committed to implementing policies and procedures that root out anti-Americanism and supporting the enforcement of rigorous screening and vetting measures.” The policy aims to prevent individuals who “despise the country and promote anti-American ideologies” from receiving US benefits.

While the policy update did not provide a precise definition for “anti-Americanism,” it referenced the 1952 Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), which bans naturalization for individuals associated with certain Communist parties or those advocating for the overthrow of the US government. The vague wording has fueled widespread confusion and concern, with critics worried it grants immigration officers excessive power and could lead to subjective interpretations.

Immigration experts, including Aaron Reichlin-Melnick of the American Immigration Council, have decried the move as unprecedented in immigration law and reminiscent of the 1950s Red Scare. Lawyers like Steven Brown emphasize that “American values” are a subjective standard not defined in the INA, raising fears that the policy will introduce bias and prejudice into immigration decisions.

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