DHS to Screen Immigrant Applicants’ Social Media for Anti-Semitism, Terrorist Ties

Under the new policy, which kicks in immediately, online expressions of anti-Semitism will be grounds for denying immigration benefit requests.

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem speaks to staffers at Department of Homeland Security headquarters in Washington on Jan. 28, 2025. Manuel Balce Ceneta/Pool/AFP via Getty Images

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that it will begin reviewing immigrant applicants’ social media activity for anti-Semitic content, including support for terrorist organizations, as part of its immigration vetting process.

DHS stated on April 9 that Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will consider online expressions of anti-Semitic sentiment—particularly those endorsing violence or terrorist groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis—as grounds for denying immigration benefit requests.