Trump to Cancel Student Visas of 'Hamas Sympathizers' in US: Top Official

Washington DC, – US President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order on Wednesday aimed at combating antisemitism, which will include provisions to deport non-citizen college students and other resident aliens who participated in pro-Palestinian protests, according to a senior White House official.

A fact sheet released by the administration states that Trump has directed the Justice Department to "aggressively prosecute terroristic threats, arson, vandalism, and violence against American Jews." The order marks a significant escalation in federal efforts to address concerns over rising antisemitism in the country.

Visa Cancellations and Deportation Orders

The executive order specifically targets individuals who have engaged in demonstrations perceived as supportive of Hamas, a group designated as a terrorist organization by the US government. Trump stated in the fact sheet, "To all the resident aliens who joined in the pro-jihadist protests, we put you on notice: come 2025, we will find you, and we will deport you."

The president further asserted, "I will also quickly cancel the student visas of all Hamas sympathizers on college campuses, which have been infested with radicalism like never before." The policy is expected to impact foreign students and other non-citizens who have participated in protests or activism that the administration deems as aligning with extremist views.

Political and Legal Implications

Trump’s announcement has drawn mixed reactions from political leaders and civil rights organizations. Supporters argue that the executive order is necessary to protect Jewish communities and combat extremism on college campuses, while critics contend that it could lead to unjust profiling and suppress free speech rights.

Legal experts also note that the policy may face challenges in court, particularly on constitutional grounds related to free speech and due process. Universities and advocacy groups have already begun preparing legal defenses for affected students, emphasizing concerns over selective enforcement and potential overreach by the federal government.

Next Steps and Implementation

The White House has indicated that the Justice Department and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will be tasked with identifying and deporting individuals who fall under the order’s criteria. The administration is expected to release further guidance on how enforcement will be carried out in the coming weeks.

As the executive order takes effect, it remains to be seen how universities, legal institutions, and advocacy groups will respond to its implementation. The move adds to the ongoing debate over campus activism, free speech, and the balance between national security and civil liberties in the United States.