Trump Administration Links Pro-Palestinian Views to Green Card Denials

The Trump administration has instructed immigration officers to scrutinize green card applicants' views on Israel and Palestine. Under the new guidance, participating in pro-Palestinian protests or criticizing Israeli government policies counts as a major negative factor in immigration decisions.

The policy targets what the administration calls pro-Hamas or antisemitic views, which officials say pose national security threats. However, critics argue the guidance wrongly lumps together legitimate criticism of Israeli government actions with actual support for terrorist groups or antisemitism.

The administration has already begun targeting student protesters and others who expressed pro-Palestinian views. Officials claim that people who voice opinions against U.S. foreign policy could face deportation, even if they hold green cards.

Dual citizens from countries the U.S. considers adversaries also face increased scrutiny under the new rules. For example, someone with both Canadian and Iranian citizenship might be flagged when applying for U.S. visas after visiting family in Iran.