US green card rules now allow immigration officials to reject applications over some political opinions, including criticism of Israel or links to pro-Palestinian protests, documents show.
Internal Department of Homeland Security documents instructed U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officers to weigh “anti-American” and “antisemitic” views as strongly negative factors in permanent residency cases. The New York Times reported that officers received the training materials last month.
The guidance cited examples, including a social media post saying “Stop Israeli Terror in Palestine.” It also listed images such as a crossed-out Israeli flag or a map of Israel replaced with the word “Palestine.”
Immigration officers will flag cases involving “conduct or ideology” to managers and the agency’s general counsel for further review. The updated guidelines also list flag desecration and signs advocating the overthrow of the U.S. government as major negative factors.
The U.S. Supreme Court has held that flag burning is protected speech under the First Amendment. The guidance still directs officials to treat certain conduct or ideology as relevant during application assessments.
The guidelines are also subject to scrutiny of people directly or indirectly involved in “on-campus anti-American and antisemitic activities” after October 7, 2023. USCIS Director Joseph Edlow defended the move, saying there was “no room in America” for foreign nationals who espouse anti-American ideologies.
