Social Media Posts May Impact Green Card and Visa Applications: USCIS Tightens Discretionary Criteria

On April 9, 2025, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officially announced that antisemitic speech and behavior will now be considered a factor in discretionary immigration decisions. This policy applies broadly to foreign nationals, including green card applicants, F-1 international students, and individuals affiliated with educational institutions.

Our law firm received this notice via USCIS email and has reviewed follow-up reports from major media outlets, including Bloomberg Law and NBC. Through this article, we aim to help those closely following U.S. immigration policy better understand the core of this update, its potential impact, and key compliance considerations.

Key Policy Update: Social Media Activity Now Subject to Immigration Review

According to the USCIS announcement, the revised policy clearly states:

• USCIS will assess whether an applicant has engaged in posting, endorsing, liking, or sharing antisemitic content on platforms such as social media;

• “Antisemitic content” includes support for or promotion of ideologies associated with terrorist groups such as Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), Hezbollah, and Ansar Allah (the Houthis);

• The policy applies to a broad range of individuals, including:

  • Foreign nationals applying for U.S. permanent residency (green cards);

  • F-1 international students;

  • Foreign nationals affiliated with educational institutions allegedly involved in antisemitic activities.

• The policy is implemented based on multiple executive orders, including the Trump-era “Executive Order to Combat Anti-Semitism” and “Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States.”

Tricia McLaughlin, DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, stated that “there is no room in the United States for the rest of the world’s terrorist sympathizers, and we are under no obligation to admit them or let them stay here” in the announcement.

Reference: 

🔗 Official USCIS Announcement

🔗 Bloomberg Law Coverage

Background: Campus Protests and Online Speech Become New Focus of Enforcement

According to analysis from Bloomberg Law, this policy update is closely tied to the surge in protests across U.S. college campuses relating to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Immigration enforcement agencies have begun reviewing the online history, political expression, and organizational affiliations of foreign students and academic staff involved in these events.

Reports suggest the U.S. Department of State has also issued internal guidance to consulates, directing enhanced scrutiny of visa applicants’ social media content, particularly any statements deemed antisemitic. Some F-1 student visas have already been revoked, with corresponding SEVIS records marked “Terminated.”

While the official justification is based on national security concerns, the move has drawn concern from civil liberties advocates over the clarity of standards and consistency in enforcement.

Potential Impact: Broader Discretion and Higher Risk for F-1 Students and Green Card Applicants

Under current regulations, most immigration applications—such as Form I-485 adjustment of status, F-1 extensions, OPT, and H-1B transfers—are subject to USCIS discretionary review. While the new policy does not alter legal eligibility requirements, it significantly expands the discretionary power of officers to consider factors related to public safety, ideology, political activity, or online conduct.

Based on recent trends, USCIS may now scrutinize cases involving:

• Publicly expressed support for certain groups or ideologies on social media;

• Participation in protests or demonstrations related to Middle Eastern politics;

• Affiliation with educational or research institutions flagged by authorities;

• Digital “footprints” showing engagement with relevant topics or organizations.

Even without a criminal record, an applicant may face denial if deemed potentially “contrary to U.S. national interests.”

Observations and Trends

Based on our review of current green card and F-1 case trends, we note the following developments:

• Social Media Activity Now Explicitly Part of Immigration Screening

  For the first time, USCIS has formally included digital activity as part of status reviews, meaning non-criminal behavior may now be used against applicants.

• International Students and Researchers Are Particularly Vulnerable

  Indirect associations—such as signing petitions, joining campus groups, or sharing online content—may now trigger investigations.

• Enforcement Precedents Already Exist, examples include:

  • Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil (a lawful permanent resident) detained by immigration officials over protest involvement;

  • Dr. Rasha Alawieh, a professor at Brown University (H-1B holder), was deported upon entry due to photos of Hezbollah leaders found on her phone.

• Expansion of Discretionary Power Means Greater Subjectivity

  These reviews focus less on criminal violations and more on whether an applicant is “deserving” of immigration benefits—dramatically lowering the bar for denial.

While the policy does not specify which behaviors will lead to denials, we recommend the following for all current and prospective applicants:

• Use caution on social media:

  Avoid posts or engagement with content involving religion, politics, or geopolitical conflicts—especially anything that could be interpreted as extreme or inflammatory.

• Review your online history:

  Before applying for a visa or status change, review your social media for any potentially problematic content.

• Understand the broad impact of “discretion”:

  A denial can now be based solely on perceived ideological risks, not legal violations.

• Be aware of indirect institutional associations:

  Affiliation with universities or organizations under government scrutiny may still impact you.

• Keep personal statements neutral:

  Avoid politicized or easily misinterpreted language in application materials such as personal statements, resumes, or letters of recommendation.

This policy is not an isolated development, but part of a broader national security-driven tightening of U.S. immigration enforcement. It marks a new era in which digital behavior, social attitudes, and political expression are now officially part of the immigration screening process, with real consequences for students, researchers, and skilled workers.

Our firm will continue to monitor policy updates closely. If you or your family are currently navigating an immigration process or planning to apply for entry into the U.S., we encourage you to remain informed and maintain strong compliance awareness. For specific questions, feel free to contact us.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique. For personalized guidance, please consult a qualified immigration attorney.