Immigration
USCIS Implements New Policies to Enhance Screening for Anti-American, Antisemitic Activities in Immigration Benefits
By Buchanan Attorneys Khushbu Patel and Dilip Patel
On Aug. 19, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced substantial updates to its policy manual aimed at tightening the evaluation process for individuals seeking immigration benefits. The revised guidance places a renewed emphasis on discretionary factors, particularly scrutinizing applicants’ past involvement with anti-American, terrorist, or antisemitic organizations, as well as expanding the scope of social media vetting to include anti-American activity and doing “neighborhood checks” for naturalization applicants. These changes reflect a broader effort by USCIS to strengthen national security measures and ensure that immigration benefits are granted only to those they claim to be aligned with American values.
Enhanced Focus on Discretionary Factors
The updated policy manual explicitly states that USCIS officers will now conduct more comprehensive reviews of applicants’ historical requests for admission or parole, examining whether these requests were made in accordance with all existing laws, regulations, and policies at the time. The manual emphasizes that the evaluation of an applicant’s moral character and allegiance will include whether the individual has endorsed, supported, or promoted the views of terrorist organizations or groups that espouse anti-American ideologies. Evidence of antisemitic activity will also be considered a critical factor in the discretionary analysis.
The manual further clarifies that when exercising discretion, the USCIS officer’s judgment must weigh whether the applicant’s past conduct aligns with the values and security interests of the United States. This applies across various benefit categories, including requests for extensions, change of status, reinstatement of F or M (student) visas, and certain employment authorization requests. The policy highlights that any involvement in or endorsement of anti-American or terrorist activities, especially those involving antisemitism, will heavily influence the outcome of discretionary evaluations.
Further, USCIS is reinstating in-person “neighborhood checks” as part of the naturalization process, ending a 34-year hiatus. Under the new policy, officers may interview neighbors, coworkers or employers to verify an applicant’s eligibility for U.S. citizenship. The decision to conduct these investigations will be made on a case-by-case basis, with applicants encouraged to submit testimonial letters to potentially avoid delays. Employers of applicants should be prepared for possible contact from USCIS to confirm employment details during the review.
Expanding the Scope of Social Media Vetting
In addition to the manual updates, USCIS announced a significant expansion of its social media vetting procedures. Starting immediately, the agency will review the online activity of benefit applicants for evidence of anti-American sentiments or extremist views. Applicants will be required to provide social media handles and platform identifiers, which USCIS will scrutinize as part of the adjudication process. The expansion represents a more aggressive approach to online screening, reflecting a broader effort by government agencies to monitor and evaluate online behavior as a key component of national security screening.
Clarified Procedures for Specific Benefit Requests
The policy update provides detailed guidance on how discretion should be exercised in specific immigration contexts, notably including the adjudication of EB-5 investor petitions. When reviewing these applications, USCIS officers are instructed to pay particular attention to whether the applicant’s actions involve threats to the national interest, fraud, misrepresentation, or criminal misuse. If such issues are identified, the exercise of discretion may be denied or limited.
Similarly, the guidance clarifies that when applicants request extensions, change of status, or reinstatement of F or M visas, USCIS officers must consider the applicant’s background, online activity, and involvement in organizations promoting anti-American or antisemitic views. The manual emphasizes that these factors are crucial in determining whether to exercise favorable discretion.
Immediate Effectiveness and Broader Implications
The new policies took effect immediately upon announcement and apply to all benefit requests filed or pending on or after Aug. 19, 2025. USCIS has emphasized that the guidance contained within the updated manual supersedes previous policies, signaling a more rigorous approach to adjudicating immigration benefits.
Legal experts note that these changes are likely to result in increased scrutiny and potentially higher denial rates for applicants with problematic backgrounds, especially those involved in or supportive of extremist or anti-American ideologies. The emphasis on social media activity means that applicants must be aware that their online presence could significantly influence their eligibility, with anti-American or antisemitic content being viewed as a heavily negative factor.
USCIS’s Rationale and Public Statement
USCIS officials have articulated that the purpose of the policy updates is to safeguard national security and uphold American values. The agency is committed to implementing strict screening and vetting procedures, claiming to prevent threats to national security from gaining lawful permanent residence or other immigration benefits.
The agency also reaffirmed that compliance with immigration laws remains a relevant factor in discretionary evaluations. However, the new guidance emphasizes that endorsement or promotion of terrorist organizations, antisemitic activities, or anti-American sentiments will weigh heavily against granting benefits.
Conclusion
The August 2025 updates to the USCIS policy manual mark a notable shift toward more stringent and comprehensive screening procedures. By expanding the scope of discretionary factors and social media vetting, USCIS aims to prevent individuals with seemingly “anti-American” from obtaining immigration benefits. These policies signal a more scrutinizing approach to immigration adjudications moving forward. Applicants should be aware of these changes, particularly in regard to social media usage, as they could significantly influence the outcome of immigration benefit requests in the coming months.
Tampa Bay area welcomes Attorney Khushbu Patel
We are pleased to introduce Attorney Khushbu Patel to our readers. Khushbu is an experienced immigration attorney and has recently joined the Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney law firm to work with Dilip Patel, who writes our immigration articles. Khushbu brings with her a wealth of knowledge in immigration law and a passion for helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of the immigration process.
Khushbu was born and raised in Richmond, Va., where she developed a strong foundation in legal principles and a deep commitment to serving her community. She earned her law degree from a respected institution, Rutgers Law School, where she developed a keen understanding of the challenges faced by immigrants in the United States.
She married in April 2024 and recently moved to the Tampa area with her husband, who works in commercial contracting. Khushbu’s move to Tampa not only marks a new chapter in her personal journey but also allows her to contribute her expertise to the growing community in the region. Fluent in Gujarati, she is an active member of the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Thonotosassa, Florida.
We are thrilled to welcome Khushbu to our readers and look forward to the invaluable information she will provide to them in the field of immigration law.