US uses AI to revoke visas of students who support Hamas

The State Department is working with the Justice Department and the Department of Homeland Security to implement the plan. While not commenting directly, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US has “zero tolerance for foreign visitors who support terrorism” and that anyone who breaks the law – including international students – will be deported.

Fox News said a student had his visa revoked for participating in “pro-Hamas sabotage activity,” marking the first action in the campaign.

The AI-based initiative will analyze the social media accounts of tens of thousands of student visa holders. The US government is also reviewing news reports of anti-Israel protests and lawsuits filed by Jewish students to identify individuals who have engaged in anti-Semitic behavior.

Earlier in January, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to combat anti-Semitism and pledged to deport foreign students if they participated in pro-Palestinian protests. He also vowed to cut federal funding to universities that allow illegal protests.

Hamas has been designated a "foreign terrorist organization" by the United States. On October 7, 2023, the group attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli figures. In response, Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza, killing more than 48,000 Palestinians. Israel denies accusations of genocide and war crimes.

Ngoc Anh (according to Axios, Fox News, Reuters)