To combat anti-Semitism, former President Donald Trump enacted an executive order that represents a significant change in immigration and campus policies, particularly aimed at foreign students and those engaged in pro-Palestinian protests. This order facilitates the deportation of foreign nationals who take part in demonstrations perceived as endorsing Hamas or similar extremist organizations.
In the aftermath of the Hamas assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, the Trump administration has escalated its initiatives to prosecute actions deemed related to terrorism, vandalism, arson, and violence directed at Jewish communities within the United States. Trump has announced that starting in 2025, foreign nationals participating in pro-jihadist protests will face deportation, and student visas for individuals expressing pro-Hamas views will be swiftly annulled.
Critics, including organizations advocating for human rights, contend that the policy violates free speech and disproportionately affects Palestinians. They assert that numerous protests have been directed against Israeli military operations rather than in favor of Hamas, although some instances have included threats and acts of vandalism.
Trump’s stringent position is consistent with previous policies from his administration, such as travel restrictions targeting several Muslim-majority countries and a rigorous immigration policy. This executive order is a component of his larger initiative to eradicate what he describes as radical influences on college campuses, particularly among international students linked to pro-Hamas rhetoric. The order specifies deportation for foreign nationals who breach U.S. laws and also proposes a set of recommendations to combat anti-Semitism across the country.
