The administration led by President Donald Trump has announced new guidance for immigration officers to assess visa applicants for signs of anti-American sentiment, which will be considered a strongly negative factor in their applications. The policy expands social media vetting and includes scrutiny of applicants who support or promote ideologies or activities deemed anti-American, as well as antisemitic terrorism. Critics, including immigration advocates, have likened the move to political persecution reminiscent of the era when Senator Joseph McCarthy targeted alleged communists. Concerns have been raised about the potential impact on free speech and the lack of a clear definition for anti-Americanism in the new policy.