New immigration screening process keys in on anti-American sentiment

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has launched a new screening guidance aimed at identifying "anti-Americanism" among immigrants applying to enter the United States legally.

The update gives immigration officers broader authority to evaluate applicants, including, but not limited to, an in-depth review of their social media activity.

The agency says the new process is designed to detect potential anti-American views or behavior, though what qualifies as "anti-American" has not been clearly defined. This lack of clarity has raised questions about consistency and fairness in how the policy will be applied.

Local reactions have been mixed. Some residents believe the added guidance could improve national security if applied correctly.

"I think any screening is good, as long as they do it in a way they would want to be screened," said Joshua Rath, a local citizen. "Just treat them like humans."

Others are questioning the subjective nature of the screening and are calling for a clearer set of rules.

"It should be written," said local citizen Gerald Smiley. "Everybody should follow the same suit. Everybody should have in line, everyone does the same thing."

Another resident, April Miyazaki, supports the added security but hopes it does not compromise America’s tradition of welcoming immigrants.

"I feel safe that we're taking these precautions. I just don't want the people that come in and help us, the migrant workers and so forth, to be denied...America is built on all of us coming from some place," she said.

The new guidance has taken effect immediately.