The United States has announced a new policy to review social media activity when assessing visa and residence permit applications.
Immigration authorities will now consider online content as part of the process in determining whether an individual is eligible for entry or stay in the country.
The government made it clear that any applicant found sharing posts deemed to support anti-Semitic views or terrorist organizations, like Hamas, Hezbollah, or Yemen’s Huthi rebels, would face the denial of their visa or green card applications.
This includes any social media activity that promotes, supports, or aligns with groups classified by the U.S. as terrorist organizations.
Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security, warned that those who attempt to use the First Amendment to defend violent anti-Semitic rhetoric will not be welcomed.
The policy, which takes effect immediately, affects all types of visa applications, including student visas and requests for permanent residency.
In addition, Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently revealed that over 300 visas have already been revoked for individuals who posed a threat through similar activities, with more cancellations happening every day.
Wow, just saw this new policy where the U.S. will scour visa and green card applications for any social media posts deemed supportive of Hamas, Hezbollah, or the Houthi rebels. It feels like a crackdown on terrorism, sure, but also a chilling effect on free speech. The government says they’ll deny or revoke visas immediately if your tweets or likes are flagged as extremist content. Secretary of State Rubio revealed over 300 visas have already been revoked, with more cancellations happening every day. I’m worried about what actually counts as “support”—does retweeting a news story under #FreePalestine count? Liking a friend’s photo from a protest? These criteria seem dangerously vague.
Student visa applicants, journalists, even permanent residency seekers all face this new screening layer. You could post a political rant in college and suddenly find yourself unable to study in the U.S. That feels like stepping into a social media minefield—one wrong click, and your American dream vanishes. On top of that, there’s no clear appeal path beyond a bureaucratic process.