The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that it will start monitoring social media activity among immigrants and visa applicants to detect any signs of anti-Semitism and support for terrorist organisations. This is reported by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA).

According to the agency's statement, the monitoring will be aimed at identifying publications that ‘support, promote or justify anti-Semitism based violence, terrorism or extremism.’ Immigrants, students, and those associated with organisations suspected of being involved in anti-Semitic incidents will come under special scrutiny.

DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said there is ‘no place in the U.S. for those who support terrorism’ and that the government is not required to grant asylum or visas to individuals who demonstrate anti-Semitic views. It is also noted that special consideration will be given to those who express support for groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and the Yemeni Houthis.

The policy is part of a broader initiative by the Donald Trump administration to combat anti-Semitism and increase migration controls. The administration has previously taken steps to revoke visas from students who took part in anti-Semitic or anti-Zionist demonstrations.