Donald Trump, during his election campaign, had promised to expel Hamas supporters from the country, and now he appears to be fulfilling that promise.
New York: United States President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at combating anti-Semitic sentiments. The order includes provisions for expelling non-citizen students and individuals participating in pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Alongside the order, a fact sheet was also released, promising immediate action through the Department of Justice against terrorist threats, arson, vandalism, and violence targeting American Jews.
The fact sheet highlights that anti-Semitic sentiments have surged on college campuses and streets following Hamas’ attack on Israel in October 2023. It calls for utilising all available resources to address the issue.
Trump, during his election campaign, had promised to expel Hamas supporters from the country, and now he appears to be fulfilling that promise. However, civil rights groups argue that the order violates free speech rights.
What Does Trump’s Order Say?
In the fact sheet, President Trump said that all the non-citizens who participated in pro-jihad demonstrations will be deported.
“To all non-citizens who participated in pro-jihad demonstrations, consider this your warning: By 2025, we will find you and deport you.” Reiterating his campaign promise, Trump added, “I will swiftly revoke student visas for all Hamas supporters on college campuses who are radicalized,” the fact sheet read.
Following Hamas’ attack on Israel, the Israeli military launched intense airstrikes on Gaza, igniting massive student protests across American universities.
Backlash Against Trump’s Decision
Legal experts and advocacy organisations contend that Trump’s actions violate constitutional protections for free speech and are expected to encounter legal opposition. Carrie DeCell, a senior staff attorney at Columbia University’s Knight First Amendment Institute, remarked, “The First Amendment safeguards all individuals in the U.S., including international students at American universities. Removing non-citizens due to their political expression would be unconstitutional.”
The decision is also condemned by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). The council stated that if Trump attempts to enforce it, they will consider challenging it in court.
