US to Use AI for Revoking Student Visas Over Alleged Hamas Support

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The US State Department plans to implement AI-assisted analysis of foreign students' social media accounts to identify and revoke visas of those suspected of supporting Hamas, sparking debates on free speech and national security.

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US State Department's AI-Driven "Catch and Revoke" Initiative

The US State Department has announced plans to implement an artificial intelligence-driven program called "Catch and Revoke" to identify and potentially deport foreign students suspected of supporting Hamas. This initiative, part of the Trump administration's efforts to combat antisemitism, will involve AI-assisted analysis of social media accounts belonging to tens of thousands of student visa holders 1.

First Visa Revocation and Deportation

The State Department has already revoked the first visa of a foreign student linked to "Hamas-supporting disruptions" on a college campus. While the student's identity and nationality were not disclosed due to legal constraints, it was confirmed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will proceed with removing this person from the country 3.

AI Implementation and Scope

The "Catch and Revoke" effort will utilize AI technology to scan through thousands of social media accounts, searching for content that supports Hamas or other terrorist organizations. The State Department is coordinating this effort with the Justice and Homeland Security departments 2.

Legal and Constitutional Concerns

The initiative has sparked alarm among rights advocates, particularly concerning free speech and First Amendment protections. Organizations like the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) have expressed concerns about relying on AI for assessments related to the complex Israeli-Palestinian conflict 2.

Trump's Executive Order and Statements

The "Catch and Revoke" program follows an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump in January, aimed at combating antisemitism. Trump has pledged to deport non-citizen college students involved in pro-Palestinian protests and warned that educational institutions allowing "illegal protests" could lose federal funding 1.

Broader Context and Implications

This initiative comes amid ongoing tensions following Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which resulted in 1,200 deaths and over 250 hostages. Israel's subsequent military campaign in Gaza has led to over 48,000 Palestinian casualties and widespread displacement 5.

Criticism and Concerns

Critics argue that the use of AI for surveillance could lead to errors, misidentifications, and privacy violations. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has urged colleges and universities not to bow to federal pressure to use surveillance or punish international students involved in campus protests, emphasizing that such actions could infringe on constitutionally protected free speech 5.

Government Stance and Future Actions

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that the United States has "zero tolerance for foreign visitors who support terrorists," emphasizing that violators of US law face visa denial, revocation, and deportation 4. The administration is also reviewing federal contracts and grants to universities, including a potential $51.4 million in ongoing government contracts with Columbia University, amid investigations into the handling of antisemitism on campuses 4.

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