As an extension of these policies, the United States has instructed consular offices to ramp up the vetting procedures for student visa applicants. The decision stems from explanatory executive orders signed during former President Trump’s administration – addressing foreign terrorist threats and anti-Semitism. This week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio released a memo. It describes a new and broader standard for visa denials, focusing on expanding what constitutes support for “terrorist activity.”
This order comes amid a related nationwide crackdown on pro-Palestinian activists. Rubio has already pulled more than 300 visas, singling out people connected to anti-ICE campus demonstrations. The new procedures increase the risk of triggering alarm through social media activity in support of the Palestinian cause resulting in lengthy visa screenings.
The vetting process will concentrate on students who were safely United States residing as of October 7, 2023. Many of these students are now looking for visa renewals. A year ago today, Hamas terrorists crossed over from the Gaza Strip and killed over 1,000 Israeli civilians. In reply, Israel conducted intense airstrikes followed by the start of a ground invasion. The war has seen more than 50,000 deaths.
In one of its more recent moves, the federal government has canceled the visas of students it alleges have expressed support for Hamas. The new screening process includes extensive social media vetting. What exactly counts as “terrorist activity” is left vague and undefined in Rubio’s memo.
“Evidence that an applicant advocates for terrorist activity or otherwise demonstrates a degree of public approval or public advocacy for terrorist activity or a terrorist organization may be indicative of ineligibility,” – Marco Rubio
The vague definition of “terrorist activity” is the most troubling part of the proposal for many. The many students who have expressed pro-Palestinian solidarity or joined in on campus protests could be subjected to harsh retaliation without warning.
“Every visa decision is a national security decision,” – Marco Rubio
Rubio’s directive provides no guidance whatsoever on how to determine who is supporting terrorism. This vagueness raises a lot of red flags. People are concerned that the measure will disproportionately punish students who share their views on social media, or join in protests considered to be against American culture and values.
“This may be evident in conduct that bears a hostile attitude towards US citizens or US culture, including government institutions or founding principles.” – Marco Rubio