Trump's Order Targets Foreign Nationals Involved in Anti-Israel Protests

An executive order signed by U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday appeared to target, among others, foreign nationals involved in anti-Israel protests that have erupted across the country since Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack. Some of these protests expressed support for the Palestinian terror group.

The Executive Order Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Threats emphasizes the need for the government to remain vigilant when issuing visas to foreign nationals. It mandates that those approved for entry must not pose a threat to Americans or national interests.

Signed shortly after Trump’s inauguration, the order also requires the U.S. government to ensure that foreign nationals do not harbor hostile attitudes toward the country’s citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles. Additionally, it stipulates that they must not advocate for, assist, or support designated foreign terrorists or other national security threats.

Trump campaigned on addressing anti-Israel protests, particularly those occurring on college campuses. However, it remained unclear how he would implement such measures, given the protections afforded by U.S. free speech laws.

At my presidency, we will not allow violent radicals to take over our colleges, Trump declared during a May rally. If you come from another country and attempt to introduce jihadism, anti-Americanism, or antisemitism to our campuses, we will deport you immediately. You’ll be removed from that school.

The Republican Party also included a pledge to deport pro-Hamas radicals and make our college campuses safe and patriotic again as part of a list of 20 promises in its platform, which was adopted at the National Convention in July.

The legality of expelling foreign nationals from the United States for participating in protests has yet to be tested, but such a move would likely spark significant controversy.

It remains unclear how many foreign students have participated in the anti-Israel protests. GOP officials and pro-Israel groups told NBC News last year that, to date, they have identified only four individuals who were arrested, expelled, or barred from graduating due to their involvement in the demonstrations.

Protests erupted on numerous college campuses, as well as in cities and towns, in response to Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza. This conflict was triggered by the October 7, 2023, invasion of southern Israel, during which terrorists killed approximately 1,200 people, committed mass atrocities, and took 251 hostages to Gaza.