Overview

• USCIS updated its Policy Manual to instruct adjudicators to consider whether applicants have endorsed, promoted or supported terrorist groups or what the agency describes as anti-American ideologies, including antisemitic terrorism.
• The agency said immigration benefits such as citizenship, permanent residence and work authorization may be denied when such activity is found.
• A separate memo issued last week reiterates that naturalization applicants must have been and continue to be individuals of good moral character, with a holistic assessment of behavior, adherence to societal norms and positive contributions.
• USCIS and the State Department are continuing expanded social-media reviews, including AI-assisted monitoring and screening tied to antisemitic activity, and the State Department has revoked visas for some foreign students.
• The new guidance draws on longstanding Immigration and Nationality Act provisions, leaving substantial discretion to officers in determining what constitutes anti-American activity.