US Tightens Immigration Scrutiny with Focus on ‘Anti-American’ Sentiment

A newly introduced US immigration policy has triggered widespread concern due to its focus on identifying "anti-Americanism" among applicants. 

Announced earlier this week, the policy expands the authority of immigration officers to assess the ideological views of individuals seeking to enter or remain in the United States. Critics argue that the broad and unclear criteria could lead to biased decisions and threaten the principles of free speech.

Under the revised guidelines issued by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), immigration officials are now allowed to examine an applicant’s past statements, affiliations, and even online activity for any signs of sentiment deemed hostile to the United States. 

While USCIS defends the policy as a necessary measure to protect national security and ensure that those who benefit from immigration are supportive of the country’s values, concerns are growing over the lack of a clear definition of what qualifies as "anti-Americanism". Legal experts and advocacy groups warn that this vagueness could result in subjective interpretations and discriminatory enforcement.

The policy draws legal justification from the 1952 Immigration and Nationality Act, which bars naturalisation for individuals associated with communist organisations or those who advocate the violent overthrow of the government. However, the new directive appears to go further, suggesting that certain expressions of political opinion or ideological leanings, particularly online, could be grounds for denial of immigration benefits.

USCIS spokesperson Matthew Tragesser said that immigration is “a privilege, not a right,” and reiterated the agency’s commitment to rigorous screening. However, academics and civil rights advocates have voiced concern. Jane Lilly Lopez, a sociology professor at Brigham Young University, warns that the policy risks embedding prejudice into immigration procedures.

The timing of the policy update aligns with broader efforts to tighten immigration rules. Reports have already emerged that the State Department has revoked thousands of student visas this year, citing concerns about applicants’ views on American values.