Will Arizona Screen “Aliens’ Social Media” for Terror & Antisemitism?

“The nine most terrifying words in the English language are ‘I’m from the government, and I’m here to help.’” -Ronald Reagan

There are few people who would argue that racism, in any form, is acceptable.

I would add that, in my opinion, it should be wiped out completely. However, when I say this, I imagine a soft approach akin to Dr. Martin Luther King's or Gandhi's efforts. I envision racism being systematically removed by changing the hearts and minds of individuals - not digitally crawling through social media feeds for evidence of racism.

Unbelievably, The Feds Are Deleting Important Arizona History

I talked to a colleague about this today. The first words he said were, "Oh, no. This is a slippery slope!"

It made me think of this quote:

"First, they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me. —Lutheran Pastor Martin Niemöller after the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II

Yes, racism is a problem, and antisemitism is a nightmare. But is this really the best way to handle this?

DHS, Arizona, and the Fight to End Antisemitism

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that the agency will start scanning the social media accounts of aliens [sic] for evidence of terrorism and antisemitic activity as part of its immigration screening process.

According to the statement, the agency will "begin considering aliens’ antisemitic activity on social media and the physical harassment of Jewish individuals as grounds for denying immigration benefit requests."

The new policy will be rolled out nationwide; as it is applied in Arizona, the edict could affect anyone who applies for lawful permanent resident status, international students studying in our universities, and anyone affiliated with Arizona's educational institutions.

If anyone in these groups can be linked to antisemitism on the socials, there will likely be consequences.

Unbelievably, Arizona Man Arrested for Threatening to Kill Trump

Arizona's Part in Reducing Antisemitism

In Arizona, this means that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will review social media content in our state.

The agency will try to identify support for antisemitic terrorism, violent antisemitic ideologies, or antisemitic terrorist organizations. They're trying to prevent anyone who might advocate for antisemitic violence from gaining immigration benefits or staying in the United States.

A Law Enforcement Response to Antisemitism

DHS is asking for participation from local law enforcement agencies in Arizona. The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) and others may be tapped to collaborate with federal authorities.

Remain Silent! How a Violent Legal Case in Arizona Set US Law

Local agencies may monitor social media for broader threats, including hate speech and terrorism, as part of their ongoing public safety efforts.

Arizona Standing on a Slippery Slope

I've never understood antisemitism, and I do think it should be wiped out. But this makes me nervous.

Using digital tools as the thought police to detect sentiment could be weaponized by anyone against any group. What if cat lovers come to power and decide anyone who posts about dogs is the enemy? I'm definitely losing my rights.

The same idea can be applied to anyone who expresses a political sentiment. Right now, you can disagree with someone, and at worst, you might look like a keyboard warrior-jerk. What if a program crawled your social media feed and tossed you in prison because they were in power and disagreed with your words?

Martin Niemöller stood mute until he found himself in the crosshairs of his government. Let's hope Arizona doesn't make the same mistake.

Sources: US Citizen and Immigration Services | Fox10 Phoenix |