Rights advocates have raised concerns following reports that the U.S. State Department plans to use artificial intelligence (AI) to revoke visas of foreign students suspected of supporting Hamas. The move, initially reported by Axios and as seen on Reuters, is part of a broader effort to combat antisemitism, but critics argue it threatens free speech and privacy rights.
AI-Powered Visa Revocations
According to Axios, the “Catch and Revoke” initiative will leverage AI to scan social media accounts and news reports to identify potential violations. Fox News reported that the first visa revocation has already taken place, targeting a student allegedly involved in “Hamas-supporting disruptions.”
Free Speech Concerns
Advocacy groups, including the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), warn that AI tools cannot accurately assess the complex nuances of speech related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee condemned the policy as an “erosion of constitutionally protected free speech.”
Trump Administration’s Stance
President Donald Trump has pledged to deport foreign students participating in pro-Palestinian protests. He also warned of cutting federal funding for universities that permit such demonstrations. While antisemitism and Islamophobia have been reported on both sides of the debate, the administration has not announced any measures against anti-Muslim hate speech.
As tensions rise over the Israel-Gaza conflict, legal experts predict challenges to the AI-driven visa revocation policy, citing First Amendment protections and concerns over potential bias in AI algorithms.
