The USCIS has implemented a new policy allowing officers to scrutinize 'anti-American' views during green card and benefit applications, primarily to identify support for terrorism, as clarified by agency director Joseph Edlow.

This policy considers whether applicants have endorsed or supported anti-American, terrorist, or antisemitic views, with examples including pro-Hamas beliefs or protests blocking Jewish students, raising concerns about subjective judgments and potential overreach.

The policy is part of broader immigration enforcement efforts under the Trump administration, which are currently facing ongoing legal challenges.

USCIS is also working to improve verification systems for public benefits and voter rolls through collaborations with the Social Security Administration and secretaries of state, aiming to prevent voter fraud while addressing concerns over data reliability and privacy.

Edlow discussed challenges with a popular international student training program, which faces criticism from some Trump supporters and others, highlighting internal disagreements over immigration policies.

He also expressed concerns about the H1-B visa program displacing American workers by allowing companies to hire foreign workers at lower wages, prompting a review of the program amid ongoing debates about visa reforms.

USCIS has begun arming its agents for increased security, a move explained by Edlow as necessary due to the current political climate.

Data shows over 1,800 international students had visas revoked by April 2025 due to political activism related to Gaza conflicts.

The new policy reflects a broader trend of increased scrutiny and stricter measures in immigration and deportation processes, including social media vetting and stricter moral character standards.

USCIS plans to revert to a more rigorous citizenship test introduced in 2020, potentially including written essays, to better assess applicants' understanding and attachment to American principles.

Legal experts warn that the policy's ambiguity may lead to biased decisions, and immigration attorneys advise applicants to prepare for heightened scrutiny.

USCIS has expanded its law enforcement capabilities, including hiring officers with authority to make arrests, execute warrants, and carry weapons, focusing on large-scale criminal activities like asylum and marriage fraud.

These measures are part of President Trump's broader immigration policy agenda, which aims to restrict legal pathways into the U.S., and are being implemented under the current administration influenced by Trump's approaches.