President Donald Trump has announced that social media and individuals’ beliefs will now be used as a central basis for obtaining green cards or U.S. citizenship. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a policy alert stating that those coming to America, wanting to come, or already in the U.S. who are applying for a green card or for citizenship after obtaining a green card, will be strictly examined for anti-American views. This policy, which came into effect on Tuesday, August 19, mandates a thorough review of applicants’ ideological beliefs as part of the immigration process. Applications for green cards, parole, or any other immigration-related benefit will be assessed based on whether the applicant holds anti-American views, and decisions will be made accordingly.

From now on, when evaluating applications of individuals wishing to live in the United States, their social media activity and anti-American views will be assessed. This rule applies across all immigration categories for those seeking green cards in the U.S., and all applicants will be required to comply with the law.

USCIS, the agency responsible for processing applications from those seeking residency or citizenship, has stated that applicants’ social media posts will be examined in more depth, and any anti-American activities will be reviewed as part of that process. The Trump administration has already begun screening the social media activity of students and visitors entering the U.S.

According to Matthew Tragesser, a spokesperson for USCIS quoted by The Guardian,

“America’s benefits should not be given to those who despise the country and promote anti-American ideologies. USCIS is committed to implementing policies and procedures that eliminate anti-Americanism and to strictly enforcing the screening and evaluation process. The ability to live and work in the U.S. is a privilege, not a right.”

The main focus of this policy is on evidence that the applicant has supported, promoted, or endorsed the views of anti-American or terrorist organizations. If such evidence is found, it will be considered a highly negative factor. This includes organizations that promote antisemitic terrorism or ideologies.

Since taking office in January, the Trump administration has aggressively implemented policies aimed at denying or revoking short-term visas for individuals deemed to oppose U.S. foreign policy — especially those who oppose policies related to Israel.

In the past six months, the Trump administration has reportedly revoked or altered the legal status of thousands of international students. In June, new social media screening criteria were introduced for international students applying to study in the U.S. According to these criteria, U.S. diplomats have been instructed to review applicants’ social media profiles to determine whether they express hostility toward U.S. citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles.

On Monday, the U.S. State Department announced that 6,000 student visas have been revoked since Secretary of State Marco Rubio took office in January. Of those, 4,000 cases involved legal violations, including assault, driving under the influence, theft, and support for terrorism, according to a State Department official.