In a recent move to combat anti-Semitism, former U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order that has significant implications for foreign students and individuals involved in pro-Palestinian protests.

This order authorizes the deportation of international students who participate in demonstrations perceived as anti-Israel, aligning with the administration’s broader strategy to address campus activities deemed supportive of organizations like Hamas.

The executive order, signed in late January 2025, directs federal agencies to identify and potentially revoke the visas of non-citizen students involved in such protests.

The administration justifies this action by referencing immigration laws that permit deportation of non-citizens who “endorse or espouse” terrorist organizations, with Hamas being designated as such by the U.S. since 1997.

Critics argue that this policy conflates legitimate political expression with support for terrorism, potentially infringing upon free speech rights.