Washington, D.C. – U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order canceling visas and expelling international students who participated in protests against Israel’s military actions. The move comes amid growing demonstrations in American universities against Israel’s offensive in Gaza.

According to a report by Reuters on Thursday, the executive order directs the U.S. Department of Justice to take measures against individuals engaging in what it describes as 'terrorist threats, arson, destructive activities, and violence' against Jewish communities. The protests, which intensified last year following Israel’s military campaign, saw widespread participation from students across the United States.

Several U.S. politicians have labeled the protesting students as 'Hamas supporters,' 'anti-Semitic,' and 'anti-American.' Before last year’s election, Trump had repeatedly pledged to expel international students who supported the Palestinian cause.

In the executive order, Trump stated, 'Those who have engaged in jihadist movements are being warned: In 2025, we will find you and remove you from this country.'

He further added, 'All Hamas supporters will have their visas revoked immediately. These individuals have turned college campuses into extreme radical zones.'

Carrie DeCell, senior staff attorney at Columbia University, told Reuters that the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees freedom of speech for all individuals in the country, including non-citizens. She argued that deporting individuals based on their political beliefs would be unconstitutional.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), an organization advocating for Muslim civil rights in the United States, has stated that it is considering legal action against the executive order.

Maya Berry, executive director of the Arab American Institute, expressed concerns over the order, arguing that it conflates criticism of Israel with anti-Semitism. She warned that such actions could severely impact freedom of expression across the country.

The order has already sparked widespread debate, with civil rights advocates and legal experts warning of its potential consequences on students, academic institutions, and broader democratic freedoms.