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Posts supporting groups like Hamas or Hezbollah or content critical of Israel may now result in visa denials or revoked residency. While officials say the move enhances national security, critics warn it could suppress legitimate political expression and infringe on privacy rights.

The U.S. Immigration Department has implemented more stringent rules for visa and residency applications, stating that applicants’ social media activity will now be a significant factor in the evaluation process. According to the revised policy, any posts or content considered a threat to national security may result in immediate disqualification. This includes expressions of support for Palestine, Hezbollah, Hamas or criticism directed at Israel, Israeli citizens, or the Jewish community.

As part of the updated screening procedures, applicants for U.S. visas or green cards will now have their public social media activity closely examined. Immigration authorities aim to detect affiliations or content that reflect ideologies considered threats to national security. Posts expressing support for groups such as Hamas or Hezbollah—both designated as terrorist organizations by the U.S.—as well as content critical of Israeli policies or deemed antisemitic may lead to visa denials or the revocation of residency permits.

Officials stated that the primary objective is to “enhance security measures” and prevent individuals with extremist views from entering the country. However, critics warn that the policy could blur the line between legitimate political expression and dangerous rhetoric, raising concerns about the suppression of free speech.

The policy applies across all visa categories, including tourist, work, and student visas, as well as permanent residency applications. Although social media checks were implemented in a limited form by previous administrations, this update represents a substantial broadening in both scope and detail.

Prospective travelers and immigrants are encouraged to carefully review their social media history, as even older posts or shared memes could trigger concerns. While removing sensitive content or adjusting privacy settings may offer some protection, officials still have the authority to request access during the interview process.

This development aligns with a broader global trend of monitoring online activity for security reasons. However, it has also sparked concerns about privacy and the potential for subjective judgments in defining what constitutes “dangerous” content. Advocates are calling for greater transparency in how social media posts are assessed to prevent discrimination or unjust treatment.

In the meantime, applicants are advised to be mindful of their online presence, as a single post could impact their chances of entering or remaining in the U.S.