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The Trump administration will screen immigrants for “anti-Americanism” which critics warn could lead to subjective rejections.
US President Donald Trump. (AP/File)
Immigrants seeking to live and work in the United States legally will now be screened for signs of “anti-Americanism”, the Donald Trump administration said, in a move that critics warn could allow immigration officers excessive discretion in rejecting applicants.
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) confirmed the new vetting criteria would apply to applicants for benefits such as permanent residency and green cards. Officers are instructed to assess whether an individual has “endorsed, promoted, supported, or otherwise espoused” anti-American, terrorist or antisemitic views.
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USCIS spokesperson Matthew Tragesser said, “America’s benefits should not be given to those who despise the country and promote anti-American ideologies. Immigration benefits, including to live and work in the United States, remain a privilege, not a right.”
No Clear Definition Of ‘Anti-Americanism’
The agency did not release an exhaustive list of what qualifies as “anti-Americanism”, leaving uncertainty over how and when the directive will be applied. Immigration lawyers and advocacy groups have raised concerns that the broad language could open the door to subjective judgments by individual officers.
Elizabeth Jacobs, director of regulatory affairs at the Center for Immigration Studies, said the change signalled that US authorities intended to be less tolerant of hostility towards the country.
“The agency cannot tell officers that they have to deny- just to consider it as a negative discretion,” Elizabeth Jacobs told Associated Press.
Criticism Over Subjectivity
Critics argue that without a clear definition, the measure risks allowing personal biases to shape decisions. One immigration rights advocate said, as per AP, “It could mean two officers look at the same case and reach very different conclusions about what counts as ‘anti-American’.”
The revision adds to a series of changes rolled out by the Donald Trump administration this year, including expanded social media vetting and a new requirement for naturalisation applicants to demonstrate “good moral character”.
Washington has tightened immigration with steps including the recent revocation of thousands of student visas and stricter reviews of work permits while immigrant rights groups have said that the cumulative effect of the new measures is to create further hurdles for those trying to live and work in the US legally.
- Location :
Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
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