Immigrants applying to live and work in the United States will now face a new layer of scrutiny, as federal officials announced Tuesday that immigration officers will consider whether applicants have promoted anti-American, antisemitic, or extremist ideologies.

The updated guidance from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reflects the administration’s commitment to ensuring that those granted the privilege of living in America embrace its values and freedoms rather than undermine them.

“Immigration benefits—including to live and work in the United States—remain a privilege, not a right,” said Matthew Tragesser, a USCIS spokesman. “America’s benefits should not be given to those who despise the country and promote anti-American ideologies.”

Officials emphasized that the policy is not about silencing opinions but about protecting the nation’s institutions and security. Applicants found to have endorsed or supported hostile views toward the United States, its allies, or Jewish communities may now see those actions weighed against their eligibility for green cards, visas, or other benefits.

Elizabeth Jacobs, director of regulatory affairs and policy at the Center for Immigration Studies, praised the move, noting that it “sends a clear message that the U.S. will be less tolerant of anti-Americanism or antisemitism when making immigration decisions.”

She added that officers still retain discretion, but the new policy provides clearer guidance on behaviors that demonstrate hostility to America’s core principles.

Critics have voiced concern that the change could lead to subjective decisions. But supporters argue that immigration officers have long been required to make judgment calls, and this policy ensures those judgments are better aligned with American values.

“Distance no longer provides the United States the protection it once did,” said one senior official. “This measure helps ensure that people coming into our country are here to contribute, not to tear down.”

The change follows earlier reforms such as expanded social media vetting and new standards for determining “good moral character” in naturalization cases—updates that emphasize not just the absence of misconduct but also positive contributions and alignment with America’s principles.

While some legal activists are preparing to challenge the policy, immigration attorneys acknowledge the rules are part of a broader effort to safeguard the system from abuse.

“This is what was elected,” said Jonathan Grode, managing partner of Green and Spiegel immigration law firm. “The government has every right to interpret immigration policy to ensure our system welcomes people who believe in what this country stands for.”

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