President Trump signed an executive order taking an unprecedented approach to combating antisemitism. The executive order comes in response to the rise in antisemitism in the United States following the Israel-Hamas war. There has been a significant uptick in antisemitic incidences, particularly on college campuses. The Israel-Hamas war has resulted in countless pro-Palestine demonstrations and protests on college campuses.

President Trump states that he intends to cancel the visas of foreign students who the Trump Administration views to be "Hamas sympathizers" and "pro-jihadists." The Administration plans to identify these students based on participation in pro-Palestine protests, which President Trump views as inherently antisemitic.

If you're a foreign student facing disciplinary action at your college for conveying support for Palestine, you need professional help. The Lento Law Firm is here to help foreign students who are unfairly facing suspension, dismissal, or other sanctions at their college just for sharing their pro-Palestine view. Let us fight for your rights and protect your place at your college. Call us today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.

How the Executive Order will be Enforced

While everyone, including foreign students, has a Constitutional right to free speech in the United States, President Trump intends to interpret their speech as violating federal laws. Immigration law in the United States permits deportation of anyone who "endorses or espouses terrorist activity or persuades others to endorse or espouse terrorist activity or support a terrorist organization."

What Problems Could Arise as a Result of Implementing the Executive Order?

Fighting antisemitism should be a top priority for all leaders and academic institutions, but the executive order could have unintended and life-altering consequences for foreign students. Where peaceful protest and free speech cross the line into antisemitism has been a challenge for campuses to define and address.

College campuses have long been places where the First Amendment is vigorously protected. They are places where students should feel safe exploring different viewpoints, ideas, and opinions. College campuses have also long been venues for peaceful and legal political protests.

Sarah McLaughlin, a senior scholar at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, has weighed in on the executive order conveying that students who commit crimes should face the consequences from their schools and potentially lose their visas, but she draws a hard line at the revocation of student visas "for protest or expression otherwise protected by the First Amendment." Colleges facing pressure from the Trump Administration could start taking disciplinary action against foreign students. These students could be facing sanctions or even dismissal from their colleges as a result of peaceful protesting or non-violent, non-criminal sharing of opinions.

If You're College is Targeting You for Your Opinion, You Need the Lento Law Firm

The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team is no stranger to fighting colleges to protect students' right to free speech. Whether you're a foreign exchange student or otherwise, the Lento Law firm is here to protect your rights and academic future. Don't let your college threaten your future because of a confusing political climate. Call us today at 888-535-3686 or use our online form.