Why Your Beliefs and Social Media Now Matter
September 4, 2025
Applying for a green card, work permit, or citizenship can feel like a labyrinth of paperwork and interviews. But in 2025, U.S. immigration has added a new layer of complexity: the “anti-Americanism” policy.
This new guidance from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) gives officers the power to deny your case based on your views, beliefs, and even your social media history. What exactly does this mean for your application? And how can you protect your case from an unexpected denial? This blog breaks down the new policy and offers practical advice to help you navigate this shifting landscape.
At McBean Law, we help clients nationwide navigate the complex world of U.S. immigration law with confidence, compassion, and clarity. Led by Attorney LaToya McBean Pompy, a nationally recognized immigration attorney and 2024 & 2025 honoree of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, McBean Law brings unmatched experience in both federal policy and courtroom advocacy. Before founding the firm in 2016, Attorney McBean Pompy served at the highest levels of government—including roles with the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Congress, and federal and state courts.
What Is the New “Anti-Americanism” Policy?
USCIS officers are now instructed to consider whether applicants have “endorsed, promoted, or supported anti-American views or the views of extremists or anti-Semitic groups.”
Even if you meet every technical legal requirement for your immigration benefit, these views can be treated as an “overwhelmingly negative factor” in your case. This new policy grants USCIS officers significant discretionary denial power, making the immigration process more unpredictable than ever before.
The New Reality: Your Social Media Is Under a Microscope
The most significant change is the expanded social media check. Officers are now specifically looking for content that could be interpreted as hostile or critical of the U.S. government.
A Facebook post, a TikTok video, or even retweeting content from others can be flagged and brought up during your interview. While the First Amendment protects free speech from government punishment, it does not guarantee approval for an immigration benefit, which is considered a privilege, not a right.
How the Policy Affects Different Visa Categories
The “anti-Americanism” policy isn’t limited to just one type of application. It can affect a wide range of individuals seeking to live or work in the U.S.
- Green Card and Naturalization Applicants: In addition to the social media checks, USCIS is taking a broader view of “good moral character.” Small mistakes in your record or concerns about your beliefs can now weigh heavily against you when applying for U.S. citizenship.
- Humanitarian and Parole Cases: If you entered the U.S. under one of the humanitarian or border parole programs, officers are now under new orders to scrutinize your application. Any inconsistencies or missing details may be treated as fraud, which can lead to the denial of future benefits.
- EB-5 Investors: For those using the EB-5 investor visa program, USCIS is emphasizing discretionary denials for any evidence of fraud or activity that could threaten national security. Even a minor irregularity in your investment paperwork could give officers grounds to deny your case.
4 Common Mistakes to Avoid in the New Immigration Landscape
To protect your case, you need to understand the new rules of engagement. Be sure to avoid these common pitfalls:
- Assuming Free Speech Equals Protection: Remember, immigration is different from criminal law. USCIS can use your online comments as evidence of “bad character” or anti-American views, even if they are protected by free speech principles in other contexts.
- Walking Into Your Interview Unprepared: Officers may ask deeper, more ideological questions. If you are not ready to calmly and factually explain your views, it can hurt your credibility and raise suspicion.
- Overlooking Details in Your Application: Double-check every document, especially if you came to the U.S. under a parole program. Even a small error in a date or address can be misconstrued as dishonesty.
- Believing the Law Guarantees Approval: Simply meeting the technical requirements on paper is no longer enough. The new rules give officers more reasons to use their discretion and say no, making comprehensive preparation more critical than ever.
How to Protect Your Case in 2025
While the new policy adds complexity, you don’t have to face it alone. Here are four steps you can take to protect your immigration case.
- Audit Your Social Media: Before you apply, go back and review all of your old posts. Delete or archive anything that could be misinterpreted as hostile, offensive, or anti-American. The officer’s interpretation is what matters most.
- Practice Explaining Your Views: If asked about past posts or comments, be ready to calmly and respectfully explain your intent. How you respond can be as important as what you posted.
- Work with an Experienced Immigration Attorney: A lawyer can prepare you for the tough questions you may face. An attorney can also help you highlight positive evidence and present your case in the best possible light, addressing any weak spots proactively.
- Address Issues Early: If you know there is a weak spot in your history or application—such as a past mistake or an inconsistency—do not wait for USCIS to find it. Address the issue and provide a clear explanation before it becomes the reason for your denial.
The new “anti-Americanism” crackdown makes immigration more unpredictable than ever. However, with the right preparation and legal guidance, you can navigate these challenges with confidence. You can watch Attorney LaToya McBean Pompy’s latest YouTube video, “USCIS Is Watching Social Media Posts,” to learn how this policy could affect different visa categories.
Final Thoughts
The new USCIS “anti-Americanism” crackdown has made the U.S. immigration process more unpredictable than ever before. However, with the right preparation and guidance, you can still navigate these challenges and protect your case. The key is to be proactive, transparent, and meticulous in your preparation.
Remember, you don’t have to face this alone. Working with an experienced immigration attorney can provide you with the professional insight and support needed to address potential issues and present your case in the best possible light. At McBean Law, we help families navigate immigration challenges. Schedule a consultation with us by calling (914) 898-9488 to get experienced legal support for your immigration journey. Follow us on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook for more resources and updates.
FAQs:
1. What does USCIS mean by “anti-Americanism”?
USCIS defines it broadly—it can include endorsing, promoting, or supporting views that are hostile toward the U.S. government, extremist groups, or anti-Semitic movements. Even a single social media post can raise red flags.
2. Can USCIS really deny my application just because of social media posts?
Yes. While free speech protects you from government punishment, it does not guarantee an immigration benefit. USCIS officers have broad discretion, and online content can be treated as negative evidence in your case.
3. Which immigration applications are most affected by this policy?
Green card, work permit, humanitarian parole, investor visas, and especially citizenship applications. Officers are under instructions to scrutinize these cases for ideological concerns in addition to technical requirements.
4. Should I delete old social media posts before applying?
It’s wise to review your online history. If you find posts that could be misinterpreted as hostile, extremist, or anti-American, consider archiving or deleting them. However, be cautious—if asked, you should be ready to explain past activity honestly.
5. How can an immigration attorney help with this new policy?
An experienced lawyer can prepare you for tough interview questions, review your social media history, highlight positive evidence, and address potential weak spots in your application before they become problems.
