NEW: Trump Admin To Crack Down On Visa Applicants Who Display Anti-American Behavior

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced Tuesday that it will be updating its policy manual to consider additional factors when evaluating visa applications from foreign citizens, particularly in regards to support for anti-American causes or organizations.

“U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is updating guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding the factors that officers consider in certain benefit requests where an exercise of discretion is required, including factors relating to aliens’ past requests for parole and any involvement in anti-American or terrorist organizations,” the agency announced in a press release.

In addition to the updated guidelines, USCIS has expanded the types of benefit requests that are subject to social media vetting, which will also include vetting for anti-American sentiment. Anti-American activity will be an overwhelmingly negative factor in any discretionary analysis, the release continued.

“America’s benefits should not be given to those who despise the country and promote anti-American ideologies. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is committed to implementing policies and procedures that root out anti-Americanism and supporting the enforcement of rigorous screening and vetting measures to the fullest extent possible,” said USCIS spokesman Matthew Tragesser. “Immigration benefits—including to live and work in the United States—remain a privilege, not a right.”

The agency is further reiterating that an alien’s compliance with immigration laws is a relevant factor when determining if a favorable exercise of discretion is warranted. It is also updating its policy manual to “provide additional guidance in circumstances where an alien has endorsed, promoted, supported, or otherwise espoused the views of a terrorist organization or group, including aliens who support or promote anti-American ideologies or activities, antisemitic terrorism and antisemitic terrorist organizations, or who promote antisemitic ideologies.”

When conducting a discretionary analysis, USCIS officers will now be required to consider whether an alien’s application for admission or parole was made in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies in effect at the time.

The new policy takes effect immediately, with further updates to immigration policy likely in the coming weeks and months as DHS seeks tobest  implement the administration’s plans to tackle illegal immigration and tighten controls on legal immigration.