Trump wants to expel pro-Palestinian demonstrators

US president Donald Trump intends to expel foreign students and scholars if they, according to authorities, violate the law during demonstrations against Israel.

A new executive order states that the United States will utilise all possible legal means against perpetrators of antisemitic intimidation and violence in American higher education.

Within sixty days, all enforcement agencies in the country must report any complaints of antisemitism involving universities. This pertains to incidents of antisemitism that have occurred since the Hamas attacks on 7 October 2023. The agencies must also assess what legal options they have to take action.

Monitoring

The question remains what the government considers ‘antisemitism’. Supporters and opponents of the demonstrations often have differing opinions on this matter. The demonstrators claim to stand for peace, while their critics argue that there is an element of antisemitism involved. Trump aims to send millions of migrants back to their ‘own’ countries. This fate could also befall around 408,000 undocumented students. International students and researchers with a residence permit must now also be wary if they have demonstrated against the war in Gaza.

Violation of freedom of speech

The president wants educational institutions to be granted the right to monitor their students and staff and to pass information to the government. This could lead to further investigation and potentially expulsion.

According to human rights organisations, the policy infringes on freedom of speech and attempts to suppress protests. There is a strong likelihood that this will result in a wave of lawsuits.