In January, former U.S. President Donald Trump signed executive orders targeting foreign students accused of promoting “hateful ideology” and antisemitism, particularly those involved in pro-Palestinian demonstrations on college campuses. While Trump’s administration claims these measures are necessary to combat antisemitism, civil rights groups argue they violate free speech protections.
The Push for Deportation
Several activist organizations, including Mothers Against College Antisemitism (MACA), the Chicago Jewish Alliance, and Zionist groups like Betar, have backed Trump’s initiative, seeing it as a long-overdue step toward addressing antisemitism in higher education. MACA’s founder, Elizabeth Rand, urged people to report students suspected of harassment, even posting a link to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) tip line.
Betar, which has been labeled an extremist group by the Anti-Defamation League, claims to have compiled and submitted names of international students and faculty members to U.S. authorities for deportation. However, it has not provided evidence to support this claim.
Despite these efforts, the U.S. Departments of Justice, State, and Homeland Security have not publicly commented on the status of the deportations. Legal experts suggest that the executive orders could face constitutional challenges, particularly concerning the right to free speech.
Free Speech vs. National Security
The impact of these orders is being compared to Trump’s first-term travel ban, which blocked entry from several Muslim-majority countries. That policy was initially overturned by federal courts before being reinstated in a revised form. Many believe the new orders could similarly end up in court battles.
Trump’s January 20 order mandates stricter vetting of foreign students from “high-risk” regions, while the January 29 order calls for a review of civil rights violations related to pro-Palestinian campus protests. If enforced, these measures could lead to mass visa cancellations and deportations.
Civil rights groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), argue that the government should not police political speech on college campuses. The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) has already documented cases of Palestinian students losing their visas under Trump’s administration.
One student from Gaza had her visa revoked, despite no involvement in protests. The ADC sees this as a step toward reinstating Trump’s controversial “Muslim ban” and has vowed to take legal action if necessary.
A Growing Divide Within the Jewish Community
While major Jewish advocacy groups like the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and the American Jewish Committee have expressed support for Trump’s actions against antisemitism, they have stopped short of endorsing the reporting of foreign students to immigration authorities.
Some members of MACA have distanced themselves from the movement, expressing discomfort with targeting individuals based on their nationality or political beliefs. One former member likened the practice to historical instances of Jews being reported to authorities during World War II.
Protests and Counter-Protests
The issue has heightened tensions on U.S. college campuses, which have already seen a rise in antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and Israel’s subsequent military response in Gaza.
Both pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian groups have engaged in online campaigns, publishing personal information of students and faculty members who support opposing viewpoints. Legal experts warn that such tactics could lead to further legal and ethical disputes.
At Columbia University, student organizers argue that most pro-Palestinian demonstrations are led by American students, as international students on visas are often hesitant to participate due to fears of deportation.
Legal Battles on the Horizon
As Trump’s executive orders begin to take effect, civil rights organizations are preparing to challenge them in court. The ADC and other advocacy groups believe these measures unfairly target international students, infringe on free speech rights, and set a dangerous precedent for government control over campus discourse.
While the debate continues, one thing is clear: Trump’s crackdown on foreign students has deepened divisions, sparked legal battles, and set the stage for another contentious policy fight in Washington.
