The US has made a major change in visa rules. He has implemented a new law on any foreign national coming on the Gaza bandage. According to the new rule, social media account will be investigated during the visa application of any foreign national visiting Gaza Strip after 1 January 2007. The decision has been taken by the US State Department under the direction of Secretary Marco Rubio. This rule applies to all types of visas, whether they are immigrant or non-immunological. It also includes student visa, tourist visa and diplomatic trips. In addition, employees and volunteers of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) who have worked in Gaza. These people will come under this policy.
Digital surveillance in the name of security
The primary objective of the new policy is to identify possible security risks for those who return from Gaza. If a person’s social media or digital activities are found to be a threat to US national security, then their visa application will be sent for inter-agency review. On this matter, Secretary Marco Rubio said that we have canceled more than 300 such visas from the beginning of 2025, including many students visas.
Targeting Israel’s critics?
According to reports, many foreign students criticized Israel’s military action in Gaza. Their visas have been canceled. The move also indicates curbing criticism of US foreign policy. While the American Constitution provides freedom of expression to every person, whatever its visa status.
Harvard University becomes the main goal
The Trump administration has specially targeted Harvard University. After the Gaza struggle, the administration demanded policy changes from the university based on the protests in Harvard, which are as follows.
Elimination of positive action.
Excluding students who can be “opposed to American values”.
Control of anti -Jewish activities in the campus.
As a result of rejecting these demands, a federal amount of $ 2 billion has been stopped. The Department of Homeland Security even said that Harvard is no longer suitable for hosting international students.
Is this policy against the spirit of the Constitution?
The United Nations, human rights organizations and many American academics have considered the move as ‘digital censorship’ and ‘violation of freedom of expression’. They believe that this policy is contrary to the democratic values of America. This is an attempt to silence students and human rights activists. Puts foreign applicants in an atmosphere of fear.
