U.S. State Department Launches AI-Powered "Catch and Revoke" to Target Hamas Supporters on Student Visas
New Initiative Unveiled: The U.S. State Department, led by Secretary Marco Rubio, has introduced the "Catch and Revoke" program, using artificial intelligence to monitor and revoke visas of foreign students perceived as supporting Hamas, a designated terrorist organization.
National Security Focus: The policy targets individuals threatening U.S. national security, with potential visa denials, revocations, and deportations for those violating laws or engaging in pro-Hamas activities, following campus protests linked to the October 2023 attacks on Israel.
In-Depth Analysis: U.S. State Department’s Bold Move Against Hamas Sympathizers on Student Visas
In a significant escalation of its national security strategy, the U.S. State Department, under the leadership of Secretary Marco Rubio, has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative named "Catch and Revoke." This program leverages artificial intelligence to scrutinize the social media activity and behavior of foreign students holding U.S. visas, aiming to identify and revoke the visas of those perceived as supporting Hamas—a group designated as a terrorist organization by the United States.
Secretary Rubio, in his official statement, emphasized a zero-tolerance stance: "Those who support designated terrorist organizations, including Hamas, threaten our national security. The United States has zero tolerance for foreign visitors who support terrorists. Violators of U.S. law—including international students—face visa denial or revocation, and deportation." This declaration marks a sharp pivot in U.S. immigration and security policy, particularly in response to the wave of pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses that erupted following the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023.
The "Catch and Revoke" initiative utilizes AI-driven tools to comb through tens of thousands of social media accounts, news reports, and legal records, such as lawsuits filed by Jewish students citing antisemitic incidents involving foreign nationals. This approach builds on a broader Trump administration executive order targeting antisemitism and vowing to deport non-citizen students and others involved in pro-Hamas or "pro-jihadist" protests. Rubio’s move signals a commitment to enforcing existing immigration laws that bar entry or residency to individuals espousing support for groups deemed inimical to American interests.
This policy shift comes in stark contrast to the previous administration’s approach. Reports indicate that, despite the surge in campus protests and related criminal activities following the 2023 Hamas attacks, the Biden administration revoked zero student visas for pro-Hamas actions. A senior State Department official revealed that the department reviewed over 100,000 visas, highlighting a perceived lapse in addressing national security threats during that period. Rubio’s initiative, therefore, represents a decisive response to what he and other administration officials view as a critical vulnerability in U.S. immigration oversight.
The use of AI in this context has drawn both praise and scrutiny. Supporters argue that it enables efficient, large-scale monitoring of public information to protect national security, while critics raise concerns about potential overreach and violations of free speech, particularly given the First Amendment protections for political expression. Legal experts note that any attempt to deport students based solely on their speech could face significant constitutional challenges, though the State Department maintains that the focus is on enforcing immigration regulations rather than policing speech outright.
Rubio, known for his hawkish foreign policy stance as a former Florida senator and now the first Hispanic U.S. Secretary of State, has long advocated for a hardline approach to terrorism and national security threats. His appointment in January 2025 and this policy reflect his commitment to countering groups like Hamas, which he has previously described as "vicious animals" responsible for "horrifying crimes." The "Catch and Revoke" program aligns with his broader vision of safeguarding U.S. interests against adversaries, including those exploiting the U.S. educational system to promote ideologies hostile to American values.
The initiative has already shown results, with the State Department announcing the revocation of the first visa under this program. The individual, a university student cited for criminal behavior tied to Hamas-supporting disruptions, is now subject to deportation proceedings by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This action underscores the administration’s intent to follow through on its promises, sending a clear message to foreign nationals in the U.S.
As "Catch and Revoke" rolls out, it is poised to reshape the landscape of student visas and campus activism, raising questions about the balance between security and civil liberties. The program’s reliance on AI also highlights the growing role of technology in U.S. governance, offering a glimpse into the future of how artificial intelligence might be harnessed to address complex national security challenges. Whether this bold move will withstand legal scrutiny or public backlash remains to be seen, but it marks a pivotal moment in America’s ongoing debate over immigration, terrorism, and free expression.