The United States Department of State reportedly has plans to use artificial intelligence to identify foreign nationals supporting Hamas or other designated terror groups, which will then be used as a means to cancel their visa status.
The initiative, referred to as “catch and revoke,” will probe social media profiles, news outlets, and other online activities to find any evidence of visa holders advocating or expressing sympathies towards these designated groups, particularly examining anti-Israel or anti-Semitic activities. Allegedly, the focus will also be on anyone expressing support of Hamas in the October 7th attack.
Visa holders who were arrested but allowed to remain in the U.S. under the Biden administration will also be closely monitored under this plan.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, expressed “Those who support designated terrorist organizations, including Hamas, threaten our national security. The United States has zero tolerance for foreign visitors who support terrorists.”
Those found to be in support of the designated terror groups may face denial or revocation of visas and deportation.
Consult a Student Immigration Attorney
The “catch and revoke” initiative will especially target international students and visa holders, correlated to the wave of political protests on college campuses last year. These populations are particularly vulnerable and should consider immediate action by consulting with an immigration attorney. To discuss how this proposal may impact your status, please contact our offices today.
