The Trump administration has started a new immigration policy that targets social media posts of foreigners trying to enter or stay in the U.S.
The policy, which took effect Wednesday, April 9, 2025, affects visa and green card applicants. Anyone seen supporting groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, or the Houthi rebels could be denied entry or permanent residence.
These groups are listed as terrorist organizations by the U.S. government.
Tricia McLaughlin, spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, made the government’s position clear.
“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,” she said.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the measure as necessary for national security.
Under the rule, social media activity will now be reviewed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Posts seen as supporting terrorist groups will count against applicants.
Recent Visa Cancellations and Legal Backlash
The new measure comes after Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that about 300 visas had already been cancelled.
Rubio said the government has wide powers in immigration decisions.
“Non-citizens don’t have constitutional rights when it comes to immigration benefits,” he said. “It’s my job to protect America, and that includes deciding who gets to come here.”
But not everyone agrees. Civil rights groups and immigration lawyers are already challenging the new rules in court.
Some argue the policy targets innocent people who simply expressed support for Palestine or criticized Israeli policies.
One example is Mahmoud Khalil, a student protest leader at Columbia University. Though he is a legal U.S. resident, he now faces deportation after attending Gaza protests.
His lawyers say he never supported violence or hatred.
University Funding Cut, Protesters Targeted
The government isn’t just watching individuals—it’s also going after schools.
Colleges that don’t “properly address anti-Semitism” may lose federal funding. Some have already lost millions in grants.
The Gaza conflict has led to widespread campus protests across the U.S. This policy could stop many Middle Eastern students from studying in America.
Hina Shamsi, a lawyer with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), called the policy dangerous.
“This creates a chilling effect where immigrants might self-censor even lawful criticism of Israeli policies,” she said.
Officials won’t say exactly what kind of posts will lead to visa rejection. But they mentioned examples like praising Hamas’ October 2023 attacks on Israel.
Legal experts say this is the first time immigration officials are using ideology, not just actions, to block people from entering the country.
As protests continue, many worry the rule will silence political speech. Others say it’s a step toward safer immigration.
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