Washington, Aug. 21 -- The US administration has asked the immigration officers to screen visa and green card applicants for "anti-Americanism," including having their social media checked.

"Anti-American activity will be an overwhelmingly negative factor in any discretionary analysis," said the policy update by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) - America's immigration agency.

USCIS announced that officers will examine whether applicants have "endorsed, promoted, supported, or otherwise espoused" anti-American, terrorist or antisemitic views.

"America's benefits should not be given to those who despise the country and promote anti-American ideologies," said Matthew Tragesser, a USCIS spokesman. "Immigration benefits - inc...