Trump order could see Pro-Hamas protesters on H1B visas deported

President Donald Trump signed an executive order during his first week back in office that gives the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) the authority to deport foreign nationals, including students, who express support for groups designated as terrorist organizations by the U.S. government. The order, titled “Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats,” focuses on individuals who support, promote or assist in terrorist activities.

Foreign nationals supporting Hamas could be targeted

Under the new directive, DHS can actively remove individuals from the country, who meet the criteria of supporting terrorism unless doing so would compromise national security or ongoing investigations. The order’s provisions could raise concerns for some foreign students who participated in pro-Palestinian rallies held on college campuses in the wake of the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

Some of these students have been accused of advocating for Hamas, a group designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S., with particular attention being drawn to the presence of Hamas symbols and flags at these rallies.

Controversy surrounding the executive action

Critics of the order, including civil rights groups like the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), have voiced concerns about its potential to infringe on free speech. The organization issued a statement arguing that the executive order “threatens an unprecedented crackdown on free speech and legal immigration” by applying “vague, subjective, and unenforceable” criteria. The move has sparked debate over the balance between national security and individual rights.

Review of visa practices and stricter screening for high-risk countries

In addition to deportations, the executive order mandates a review of how the U.S. issues visas. A report outlining recommendations for stricter visa restrictions from specific countries deemed to pose security risks will be presented to the president within 60 days.

The order also strengthens the vetting process for foreign nationals, introducing enhanced screening for individuals seeking to enter or remain in the United States.

The government will pay particularly close attention to nationals from countries identified as having significant security risks, further tightening the screening process.