Newsletter April 10

Written By Peri Edelman, Immigration Attorney

DHS to Begin Screening Aliens’ Social Media Activity for Antisemitism

In a significant policy shift, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced it will begin screening non-citizens' social media activity for antisemitic content as part of the immigration and vetting process. The initiative comes amid rising concerns over antisemitism both domestically and globally and is framed as part of the U.S. government's broader commitment to combating hate and extremism.

According to DHS officials, social media screenings will now include specific markers of antisemitic rhetoric in addition to already-monitored content related to terrorism, violence, and national security threats. This will be effective immediately. This will immediately affect individuals applying for lawful permanent resident status, immigrant and non-immigrant visas, foreign students and people affiliated with educational institutions linked to antisemitic activity.

USCIS will consider social media content that indicates an alien endorsing, espousing, promoting, or supporting antisemitic terrorism, antisemitic terrorist organizations, or other antisemitic activity as a negative factor in any USCIS discretionary analysis when adjudicating immigration benefit requests. This guidance is effective immediately.

Peri Edelman, Immigration Attorney

Peri B. Edelman is an experienced attorney who practices Immigration Law in New York City. She provides immigration legal services, legal counsel on immigration matters, and legal support for court cases related to Immigration. A graduate of Brooklyn Law School, Peri B. Edelman is admitted to the New York and Connecticut Bars, U.S. Eastern District Court of New York, U.S. Southern District Court of New York, and United States Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit.

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Newsletter Week of April 9