Trump Order Targets Pro-Palestine Students as Deportation Lists Emerge
A new executive order empowers federal agencies to deport foreign students and staff for alleged anti-Semitic activities, with right-wing groups and university administrators aiding enforcement.
- President Donald Trump's executive order directs federal agencies to identify and act against foreign students and staff accused of anti-Semitic activities, including potential deportation.
- The pro-Israel group Betar claims to have provided the administration with a list of foreign students and faculty it alleges support Hamas or engage in anti-Zionist activities.
- Elizabeth Rand, founder of Mothers Against College Antisemitism (MACA), has been leveraging her influence at NYU to push for disciplinary actions against pro-Palestine students and faculty.
- NYU has faced criticism for suspending students and faculty involved in pro-Gaza protests, with allegations of preferential treatment for Rand and her son by university leadership.
- Critics argue the executive order and associated actions undermine free speech and academic freedom, while pro-Palestine groups warn of broader authoritarian crackdowns on civil society.