US may deny visas over ‘anti-American’ views, says USCIS

The United States may deny visas, green cards, or citizenship to applicants deemed “anti-American,” according to a recent policy announcement by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

The agency said activities considered hostile to the country would be treated as “an overwhelmingly negative factor” in visa decisions, Hindustan Times.

USCIS clarified that immigration benefits are a “privilege, not a right,” and officers will examine whether applicants have promoted or supported anti-American or antisemitic ideologies.

Immigration attorneys, however, warned the rule is vague and could make visa decisions subjective. New York-based lawyer Cyrus Mehta said criticism of a government should not be equated with anti-Americanism, calling dissent essential for growth.

The move comes amid several Trump-era policy changes, including monitoring applicants’ social media and stricter definitions of “good moral character” for citizenship.