By: Mary Campbell

In an exclusive interview, Joseph Edlow, newly confirmed Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), has defended a controversial immigration policy shift allowing immigration officers to weigh applicants’ personal views—specifically whether they espouse “anti‑American” ideologies—as part of green card and visa evaluations.

What This Change Entails

Edlow emphasized that the policy targets individuals whose beliefs verge on support for terrorism or extremist ideologies, not those who simply express political dissent—a hallmark of American democratic values. He underscored that objection to government policies remains protected and encouraged.

Expanded Enforcement Powers

In tandem with this ideological review, USCIS is undergoing a significant transformation: for the first time, the agency will employ armed law enforcement agents authorized to make arrests, detain individuals, and pursue expedited deportations. This marks a departure from USCIS’s traditional role in processing immigration benefits and toward more forceful enforcement.

These agents will primarily focus on investigating immigration fraud—including sham marriages and fraudulent sponsorships—and will complement ICE’s capabilities. Edlow asserted this change will allow USCIS to “initiate investigations, complete them, and seek prosecution” autonomously.

Revamping Citizenship Evaluation

Edlow also criticized the current U.S. citizenship test as overly simplistic and easily gameable. Proposals under consideration include a higher passing threshold and potentially introducing an essay component that prompts applicants to articulate the meaning of American citizenship. The return of neighborhood and coworker interviews—used last during George H.W. Bush’s presidency—is part of this shift toward more rigorous vetting.

Reassessing H‑1B and Student Programs

Addressing other immigration pathways, Edlow described the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program—widely used by international students—as unfairly skewing the job market. While no immediate changes are planned for OPT, its future is under review. Similarly, the administration is scrutinizing the H‑1B visa system, with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick labeling it a “scam.” Plans are underway to prioritize visa eligibility based on wage levels and merit-based criteria.

Criticism and Civil Liberties Concerns

Civil rights advocates and immigration attorneys have voiced alarm over the subjective nature of the “anti‑American” test, warning it could be exploited to deny immigration benefits based on political or ideological biases. The expanded powers of USCIS—especially granting arrest authority—have sparked concerns about deterring lawful applicants and eroding trust in immigration institutions.

Looking Ahead

As these policies roll out, USCIS appears to be pivoting from a customer-service model toward one ideologically aligned with enforcement and national security. Whether these changes—especially the ideological screening and citizenship test overhaul—will withstand legal and public scrutiny remains to be seen.

Timeline at a Glance

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