Ken Klippenstein found a memorandum dated March 25 titled “Enhanced Screening and Social Media Vetting for Visa Applicants.” The memo cites a few visa categories but one could assume it effectively applies to all categories. It gives guidance to consular officers on vetting visa applicants. The officers are to search for any espousal of terrorist activity or a terrorist organization.  The search is to go much further than that – verbatim from the memorandum:

“Evidence that an applicant advocates for terrorist activity, or otherwise demonstrates a degree of public approval or public advocacy for terrorist activity or a terrorist organization, may be indicative of ineligibility under INA 212(a)(3)(B). This may be evident in conduct that bears a hostile attitude toward U.S. citizens or U.S. culture (including government, institutions, or founding principles). Or it may be evident in advocacy or sympathy for foreign terrorist organizations. All of these matters may open lines of inquiry regarding the applicant’s credibility and purpose of travel. Consular officers should inquire into the nature and activities of those organizations.”

Klippenstein comments: “Specific reference is made to students seeking to participate “in pro-Hamas events,” which is how the Trump administration has characterized student protests against the war in Gaza.”