Supporters of Hamas pursuing their studies in the United States may have their visas revoked, following the new order of the US President, Donald Trump.
The United States Department plans to use artificial intelligence to revoke visas of international students who support Hamas in the US’ fight against antisemitism, according to State Department officials, VisaGuide.World reports.
In January this year, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to combat antisemitism, vowing to deport non-citizen college students and those who participated in pro-Palestinian protests.
Concerns About Errors & Misidentifications
The AI-fueled “catch and revoke” with the help of AI will assist in reviewing thousands of student visa holders’ social media accounts and identify foreign nationals allegedly involved in antisemitism.
However, some advocates believe the decision could lead to errors, misidentifications as well as privacy violations.
This should concern all Americans. This is a First Amendment and freedom of speech issue and the administration will overplay its hand. Americans won’t like this. They’ll view this as capitulating free speech rights for a foreign nation.
In addition, according to a report from Reuters, the State Department is working together with the Department of Justice and Homeland Security, while the departments had no immediate comment.
The US President said he would stop federal funding for educational institutions that permit what he considers illegal protests.
Agitators will be imprisoned/or permanently sent back to the country from which they came. American students will be permanently expelled or … arrested.
Visa Requirements for Studying in the US
Except for students from countries with which the US has a visa waiver agreement, students from a large number of countries worldwide are subject to visas when planning to pursue their studies in educational institutions in the US.
There are several types of student and exchange US visas, depending on the purpose of foreign nationals heading to the US. Among them are F-1, M-1, J-1 and Q-1 visas.
Funding Freeze Affecting American & International Exchange Students
Since the President came into office again, applied several new changes concerning foreign students.
Another decision of US President Donald Trump is also expected to affect a large number of students. Earlier this month, the Trump administration unfolded plans to freeze funds for all programs under the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) on February 13, 2025, for a total of 15 days.
This decision is expected to affect more than 10,000 students and professionals who are part of international exchange programs.