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Trump Executive Order on Terrorism Support Targets Students

President Donald Trump issued an executive order Monday aimed at deporting foreigners who express support for designated terrorist organizations. The directive could significantly impact foreign students involved in anti-Israel activism on U.S. college campuses, particularly those endorsing groups like Hamas.

The order targets individuals who “bear hostile attitudes” toward American values or institutions and support terrorism. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that visa holders discovered to have ties to Hamas or similar groups should be removed from the United States. Federal law already prohibits foreigners with terrorist affiliations from entering or staying in the country.

Critics of the Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), a group frequently associated with anti-Israel protests, argue that it promotes pro-terrorism rhetoric. The organization called Hamas’ October 2023 attack on Israelis a “historic win.” Investigative researcher Ryan Mauro labeled SJP the leading driver of what he described as a “pro-terrorism” movement on U.S. campuses. Mauro and others have advocated for revoking tax-exempt status from organizations funding SJP and initiating deportation proceedings against visa-holding activists.

Legal experts, such as Ilya Shapiro of the Manhattan Institute, noted that the executive order aligns with existing law and gives federal agencies a clear mandate to enforce visa restrictions based on terrorist support. Shapiro stated that the U.S. government has broad authority to regulate who enters and remains in the country.

Proponents argue that the order is a necessary step to combat campus antisemitism and counter anti-American ideologies. Critics, including free speech advocates, may challenge its implementation, raising questions about its broader implications.

The Trump administration has signaled additional measures to address anti-Israel activism, including investigating nonprofit organizations supporting such movements. Officials believe these efforts will curtail the influence of pro-terrorism rhetoric on college campuses and beyond.

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