U.S. immigration official defends rule targeting “anti-American” views of green card applicants

Key Takeaways:

• USCIS can now scrutinize “anti-American” views as part of green card application reviews.
• Director Joseph Edlow publicly defends the rule.
• Critics question how subjective beliefs may impact immigration outcomes.

Policy Overview

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced a new rule that evaluates green card applicants based on any “anti-American” views they may hold. This measure arrives at a time when immigration policies continue to dominate political discourse in the United States.

Defending the Rule

USCIS Director Joseph Edlow has taken a firm stance in support of this policy, emphasizing its importance in determining whether prospective immigrants align with American values. Analysts note that this is part of the broader conversation on how beliefs can become a deciding factor in immigration benefits.

Media Coverage

CBS News broke the story on October 15, 2025, with immigration and politics reporter Camilo Montoya-Galvez providing an early look at the policy’s implications. According to the report, the USCIS directive underscores the agency’s focus on scrutinizing personal perspectives that may be deemed hostile to U.S. principles.

Potential Impact

While full details of how “anti-American” views will be defined or enforced remain sparse, observers suggest this rule could broaden the grounds on which applications are judged. For green card seekers, this development signals a new consideration beyond employment or family ties. As the policy unfolds, both supporters and critics of stricter immigration controls are expected to watch closely for its real-world effects.