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The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced new screening criteria for immigrants seeking legal residency or work in the United States, requiring officers to assess whether applicants have endorsed or supported anti-American, terrorist, or antisemitic views. USCIS spokesperson Matthew Tragesser stated that immigration benefits are a privilege and should not be granted to those promoting anti-American ideologies. The agency did not provide a clear definition of 'anti-Americanism,' raising concerns among immigration lawyers and advocacy groups about potential subjective judgments by officers. Elizabeth Jacobs of the Center for Immigration Studies noted that while officers are instructed to consider such views as a negative factor, they are not mandated to deny applications solely on this basis. This policy is part of broader immigration changes under the Trump administration, which include expanded social media vetting and stricter assessments of applicants' moral character. Critics warn that the vague language could lead to inconsistent application of the rule and increased hurdles for immigrants seeking to live and work legally in the US. (Updated 20 Aug 2025, 18:02 IST; source: link)