Rights Groups Condemn U.S. Use of AI to Revoke Visas Over Pro-Palestinian Views

Rights advocates and free speech organizations are voicing strong opposition to reports that the U.S. State Department is using artificial intelligence to revoke visas of foreign students based on their perceived support for Palestine. Critics argue that the move is an attempt to stifle dissent and silence pro-Palestinian voices amid ongoing tensions over Israel’s military actions in Gaza.

According to a report by Axios, the AI-driven initiative, known as “Catch and Revoke,” will monitor the social media activity of tens of thousands of student visa holders. Rights groups warn that this could disproportionately target Muslim and Arab students, as well as activists who have been outspoken about Israel’s policies.

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) and other advocacy groups have condemned the use of AI to assess political views, arguing that it risks criminalizing legitimate criticism of Israel’s actions. “AI tools cannot be relied upon to interpret the nuances of complex geopolitical discussions,” said Sarah McLaughlin, a scholar at FIRE, adding that the policy could have a chilling effect on free speech.

The Axios report further revealed that government officials are monitoring media coverage of pro-Palestinian protests, alongside lawsuits from pro-Israel groups accusing foreign nationals of antisemitism. Many activists, including Jewish groups advocating for Palestinian rights, have strongly denounced antisemitism while continuing to criticize Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories.

Separately, Fox News reported that the State Department had already revoked the visa of a student accused of participating in what officials described as “Hamas-supporting disruptions.” However, no concrete evidence has been presented linking these demonstrations to Hamas, raising concerns that peaceful advocacy for Palestinian human rights is being falsely equated with extremism.

The crackdown is being coordinated by the State Department in conjunction with the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. While the State Department has not directly addressed the reports, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the U.S. has “zero tolerance for foreign visitors who support terrorists.” Activists argue that such statements are being used to suppress criticism of Israel’s military actions.

President Donald Trump, a staunch supporter of Israel, has taken a hardline stance against pro-Palestinian activism. In January, he signed an executive order aimed at combating antisemitism on college campuses. Critics argue that the order is being used to justify punitive measures against students protesting Israel’s occupation and military operations in Gaza. Trump has also pledged to deport international students who participate in pro-Palestinian demonstrations and to cut federal funding for universities that allow such protests.

While the administration has intensified its crackdown on pro-Palestinian voices, rights groups note that it has not taken similar measures against rising Islamophobia. Palestinian students, activists, and Jewish groups critical of Israeli policies have reported threats and harassment, yet no government protections have been announced.

With AI-driven surveillance now playing a central role in visa revocations, civil liberties advocates warn that the suppression of free speech could escalate further. Activists are calling for an immediate end to the program, arguing that it sets a dangerous precedent for silencing political dissent and undermining constitutional rights.