‘Espousing terrorist ideologies’ and ’expressing hatred for American values’ were cited as views that ‘warrant closer scrutiny’ from immigration officers.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said on April 27 that past statements expressing what it labeled extremist views from immigrants applying for green cards and naturalization would warrant closer scrutiny.
The DHS statement was in response to a New York Times report over the weekend that, citing internal DHS training materials, said that under new guidance introduced by the Trump administration, immigrants can now be denied a green card for expressing political opinions.
A spokesman for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which falls under the purview of DHS, said certain behaviors and statements “may raise serious concerns for USCIS personnel reviewing an applicant’s file, including espousing terrorist ideologies, expressing hatred for American values, advocating for the violent overthrow of the United States government, or providing material support to terrorist organizations,” adding that such actions “warrant closer scrutiny.”
The New York Times report claimed that the Trump administration includes criticizing the state of Israel as a potentially disqualifying factor when applying for a green card or naturalization.
White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said that the administration’s policies had “nothing to do with free speech” and were meant to protect “American institutions, the safety of citizens, national security and the freedoms of the United States,” the paper reported.
The Epoch Times has contacted the White House and DHS for further comment but did not receive a response by publication time.
The New York Times report prompted criticism from lawmakers and rights groups, who have raised concerns regarding free speech and due process.
By Guy Birchall
