In an effort to combat anti-Semitism, former US President Donald Trump signed an executive order leading to a significant policy change.
This order affects foreign students and individuals involved in pro-Palestinian protests, paving the way for their deportation back to their home countries.
The Justice Department is set to take immediate action as detailed in a brief explaining this executive order.
Increased Punitive Measures for Protest Participants
The Trump administration is taking firm steps to address what it perceives as a surge in anti-Semitic activities on campuses and streets across the country.
This new order focuses on prosecuting threats posed to American Jewish communities, including of acts of terrorism, arson, vandalism, and violence.
The significance of this policy was amplified following the attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023.
Trump made it clear that foreign residents participating in what he termed “pro-jihadist” protests would face deportation in 2025.
Additionally, visas for students expressing pro-Hamas sentiments on university campuses would be swiftly revoked.
The Situation on US Campuses
With the end of protests under the “Free Palestine” banner in the US, the nation has seen stirring tensions on its college campuses.
Over the past months, these demonstrations have significantly increased incidents of anti-Semitic, anti-Arab, and Islamophobic acts.
Tensions in the Middle East, particularly between Arab communities and Israel, have influenced these developments.
Under this order, agency and department heads have been tasked with presenting recommendations for both criminal and civil methods to the.