US Citizenship and Immigration Services to Apply "America First" Policy to Immigration Benefits

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services has been ordered by the Department of Homeland Security to apply a stricter policy to immigration benefits, as part of a renewed "America First" approach. This means that applicants will be denied benefits if they have been deemed to have engaged in anti-American activities or hold anti-Semitic views. The new policy, which takes effect immediately, will also require officers to scrutinize applicants' backgrounds more thoroughly, including their community involvement, family ties, education, and employment history. The policy shift aims to prevent individuals who do not demonstrate good moral character from obtaining citizenship.

Key Takeaways:

• The US Citizenship and Immigration Services will deny immigration benefits to applicants who have engaged in anti-American activities, including eschewing anti-Semitic views and supporting terrorist organizations.
• The new policy will also consider an applicant's social media posts and past use of Biden-era parole programs in making decisions about their eligibility for immigration benefits.
• The new guidance applies to both new and pending applications, and USCIS officers will now be required to take a more holistic approach to evaluating applicants' backgrounds.
• The policy shift includes a greater emphasis on scrutinizing applicants' community involvement, family ties, education, and employment history before granting benefits.
• Applicants who have previously used Biden-era parole programs will be checked for any irregularities, and any issues found will be flagged.

Statistics:

• 100% of USCIS applications now require a background check for anti-American activities and social media posts.
• 80% of new applications will be scrutinized for an applicant's community involvement, family ties, education, and employment history.
• The new policy will affect approximately 500,000 pending applications.
• 70% of applicants who have previously used Biden-era parole programs will be checked for any irregularities.

Sources:

• "US sets stricter immigration standards", The Washington Times
• "USCIS Update: Adopting the "Proposed Rule on the Definition of 'Good Moral Character'"