President Trump’s Administration Can Reportedly Deny Green Cards to Immigrants Who Express Political Opinions

President Donald Trump’s administration is reportedly setting new boundaries when it comes to granting immigrants residency in the United States.

According to a Saturday, April 25, report in the New York Times, internal Department of Homeland Security training materials allegedly provide new guidance on how to vet green card applicants.

The documents suggest, per the Times, that people can be denied a green card for expressing their political opinions, particularly when it comes to criticism of Israel or partaking in a pro-Palestinian protest.

People can also be turned down for burning or destroying an American flag.

Additionally, according to the Times, the Department of Homeland Security has proposed reviewing social media accounts of tourists looking to come to the United States.

The Times reported that the new materials were distributed last month to immigration officers at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security.

In August 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a press release stating that guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual was being updated.

“America’s benefits should not be given to those who despise the country and promote anti-American ideologies,” said USCIS spokesman Matthew Tragesser at the time. “Immigration benefits — including to live and work in the United States — remain a privilege, not a right.”

White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said, per the Times, that the administration’s policies had “nothing to do with free speech.”

Instead, she said, they are meant to protect “American institutions, the safety of citizens, national security and the freedoms of the United States.”

In an April 20 Facebook post, USCIS said that they are “re-vetting cases for people who were granted immigration benefits during the Biden administration — when there was no vetting.”

The post added, “There’s vetting now, so be prepared to face the consequences.”

Meanwhile, the 79-year-old president has promoted his Gold Card program. According to TrumpCard.gov, people who contribute $1 million (in addition to a $15,000 DHS processing fee and get background approval) will “receive U.S. residency in record time with the Trump Gold Card.”

The White House describes the Gold Card as “a visa program overseen by the Secretary of Commerce that will facilitate the entry of aliens who have demonstrated their ability and desire to advance the interests of the United States by voluntarily providing a significant financial gift to the Nation.”