The Trump administration is considering measures to prohibit some colleges from enrolling any foreign students if they are deemed “pro-Hamas,” according to senior officials from the Justice and State Departments. The move, which could involve grand jury subpoenas, marks a further expansion of the administration’s immigration policies and efforts to counter antisemitism, though civil rights groups argue it suppresses free speech.

Policy background
The proposal stems from the “Catch and Revoke” program, an initiative led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Initially targeting foreign students allegedly involved in pro-Palestinian protests, the program has resulted in over 300 student visa cancellations in three weeks. Officials state that the government is scrutinizing universities with a significant number of foreign students engaging in demonstrations, which could lead to decertification from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program.

A senior State Department official told Axios, “Every institution that has foreign students will go through some sort of review.” Schools previously at risk of decertification were primarily linked to visa fraud. Now, the government is considering applying similar measures to institutions with large-scale demonstrations following the October 7 attacks.

Columbia University and UCLA are among the institutions frequently discussed in administrative circles. A UCLA spokesperson stated, “UCLA is committed to eradicating hate,” referencing the university’s new initiative against antisemitism. Columbia officials have not responded to requests for comment.

Legal and political implications
Critics, including free speech organizations, have expressed concerns that the policy conflates support for Palestinian rights with backing Hamas, designated as a terrorist group by the US. “Deemed ‘pro-Hamas’ by whom? This kind of explicitly viewpoint-driven decision-making is ripe for abuse and risks arbitrary enforcement,” said Will Creeley, legal director at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE).

The administration’s approach has already sparked legal challenges. A federal judge recently halted the detention of a Columbia student facing deportation over her participation in pro-Palestinian protests. Additionally, a lawsuit challenging the government’s authority to revoke green cards based on political activity is making its way through the courts.

Financial and institutional impact
International students contribute significantly to university revenues, and limiting their enrollment could have financial consequences for institutions. A Justice Department official noted, “That’s one of their biggest cash cows, foreign students. That’s a meaningful source of revenue for them.”

The administration has recently intensified its scrutiny of higher education institutions. Columbia University altered its policies on antisemitism and campus protests to prevent losing $400 million in federal funding. Similarly, the Department of Justice launched a civil rights investigation into the University of California system and issued warnings to 60 universities about potential enforcement actions.

What’s next
The administration is monitoring a new lawsuit from Columbia students accusing protest organizers of acting as a “propaganda arm” of Hamas. Officials suggest additional enforcement actions are likely. A Justice Department official indicated that universities could soon receive grand jury subpoenas requesting information about students involved in protests.

As legal battles unfold, the administration’s efforts could reshape policies on student visas and university governance, setting a precedent for how political activism is regulated on college campuses.