AMP SPRINGS, Maryland: The US Citizenship and Immigration Services has introduced a new rule allowing officers to review whether applicants for green cards or other benefits hold “anti-American” views. However, the agency says the goal is to identify support for terrorist activity, not political beliefs.
In a Monday interview, USCIS Director Joseph Edlow explained the policy, announced last month, which permits officers to consider if an applicant has “endorsed, promoted, supported, or otherwise espoused” anti-American, terrorist, or antisemitic views. Critics argue this gives officers too much discretion and could lead to subjective judgments.
Edlow emphasized that the agency is focused on harmful ideologies rather than ordinary political criticism. Criticism of any US administration, including President Trump’s, is considered part of free speech. “This goes beyond that. This is actual espousing of the beliefs and ideology of terrorist organizations and those who wish to destroy the American way of life,” he said.
He highlighted examples such as students posting pro-Hamas messages online or participating in protests that block Jewish students from entering campus buildings. While online speech is taken into account, Edlow stressed that it will not automatically disqualify someone from receiving benefits.
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