WASHINGTON: The U.S President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at combating antisemitism, which includes plans to revoke student visas for non-citizens involved in pro-Palestinian protests. The announcement has sparked a mix of support and major criticism over its implications for free speech.
The Executive Order (EO) directs the Justice Department to take quick action against antisemitic acts such as threats, vandalism, and violence. According to a statement of the order, federal agencies are being mobilized to address what the administration described as a rise in antisemitism on college campuses and public spaces following the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel by Hamas, a Palestinian militant group.
In the statement, Donald Trump warned foreign residents who participated in protests, saying, “To all resident aliens who joined pro-jihadist protests, we will find you and deport you starting in 2025.” He also reiterated a previous campaign promise to cancel the visas of what he called “Hamas sympathizers” on college campuses.
Critics argue the order could violate constitutional protections. Legal scholars and rights advocates have highlighted the risks of infringing on free-speech rights. Carrie DeCell, a senior attorney at the Knight First Amendment Institute, said, “The First Amendment protects everyone in the United States, including foreign students. Deporting someone based on their political views would be unconstitutional.” . The Council on American-Islamic Relations, a leading Muslim advocacy organization, has said it would consider legal action if the policy is enforced.
The executive order comes after months of pro-Palestinian demonstrations on American college campuses, triggered by ongoing violence in Gaza. Civil rights groups have reported a surge in hate crimes targeting Jews, Muslims, Arabs, and others of Middle Eastern descent in the aftermath of the conflict.
The new policy requires federal agencies to review existing legal tools to address antisemitism. Within sixty days, agency leaders must submit recommendations for additional measures. The order also mandates an analysis of civil rights cases involving schools and universities linked to pro-Palestinian protests, which could lead to the deportation of foreign students and staff involved.
Protesters have pushed back against accusations of supporting Hamas, saying their demonstrations are focused on opposing Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Health officials in Gaza have reported over 47,000 deaths since the conflict began.
Maya Berry, head of the Arab American Institute, expressed concern over the order, stating, “Conflating criticism of Israel with antisemitism is deeply troubling. This policy risks silencing legitimate political expression and will have a chilling effect on free speech across the country.”
