User:Yug/Catch and Revoke
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Catch and Revoke Initiative refers to an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered surveillance program launched by the United States Department of State in March 2025 under the Second presidency of Donald Trump. The initiative aims to identify and potentially revoke visas of foreign students suspected of supporting Hamas or other designated terrorist organizations.[1][2] This would mechanically lead to the expulsion of those visa-revoked holders from US territories. The program pioneers controversial use of AI to review social media messages and other publicly available information. At its inception, the program focuses on pro-Palestinan content posted after Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.[2][3]
Main features
[edit]- AI-assisted review of student visa holders' social media's messages.[1][2]
- Examination of internal databases for 100,000 foreign student visa holders, looking for possible visa holder arrested but allowed to stay during the Biden administration.[2][4][5][6]
- Analysis of news coverages on anti-Israel demonstrations and lawsuits filed by Jewish students alleging antisemitic activity.[2][7]
Implementation
[edit]In January 2025, President Donald Trump signed a broad executive order aimed at combating antisemitism, but specifically cited on-campus pro-Palestinian protests linked to perceived terrorist support.[8][6]. Trump has pledged to deport non-citizen college students and others who took part in pro-Palestinian protests against Israel 14-months war on Gaza.[3]
In March 2025, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the launch of "Catch and Revoke" .[2] The State Department is collaborating with the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security in what officials describe as a "whole of government and whole of authority approach."[2][9]
Criticisms
[edit]The initiative is criticized by civil liberties groups, legal experts, journalists and others. Opponents argue that the policy may infringe upon constitutionally protected freedom of speech and privacy rights.[10][6] Legal experts question whether using AI to revoke student visas based on perceived political speech violates the First Amendment defending private liberties.[7][6] Critics highlight the delegating judgement to AI systems risks misinterpreting nuanced political expressions or casual comments as endorsements of extremism.[11][12] The Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) drawn parallels between this program and historical surveillance overreaches targeting specific groups.[12] Indian students may also be at risk.[13]
Legal challenges
[edit]As of March 19, 2025, no lawsuits had been officially filed against the program, but legal experts anticipate potential court challenges based on First Amendment and civil liberties concerns.[3][14] Organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) have expressed opposition to the initiative.[7]
Impact
[edit]The "Catch and Revoke" program marks a significant step in the U.S. government's use of AI for national security enforcement. While it aims to curb perceived extremist threats, it has ignited debates over privacy, free speech, and potential discrimination. The program's implementation and legal challenges are expected to shape future policies regarding AI surveillance in immigration enforcement.[2]
See also
[edit]- Computer and network surveillance
- PRISM
- Fetometer (Turkey)
- Detention of Mahmoud Khalil
- Immigration policy of the second Donald Trump administration
References
[edit]- ^ a b Custer, Sara. "State Department to Use AI to Revoke Student Visas". Inside Higher Ed. Retrieved 2025-03-19.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Caputo, Marc (2025-03-06). "Scoop: State Dept. to use AI to revoke visas of foreign students who appear "pro-Hamas"". Axios. Retrieved 2025-03-19.
- ^ a b c Agencies and ToI Staff. "US reportedly will use AI to revoke visas from students perceived to be pro-Hamas". www.timesofisrael.com. Retrieved 2025-03-19.
- ^ "US to reportedly use AI to revoke visas of students it sees as Hamas supporters". The Economic Times. 2025-03-07. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 2025-03-19.
- ^ King, Ryan (2025-03-06). "State Department to deploy AI-powered 'catch and revoke' tools against Hamas sympathizers: report". Retrieved 2025-03-19.
- ^ a b c d Galkin, William (2025-03-10). "📝 Visa Revoked by AI? Free Speech Meets the Algorithm". Galkin Law. Retrieved 2025-03-19.
- ^ a b c "Rights advocates concerned by reported US plan to use AI to revoke student visas". Middle East Monitor. 2025-03-08. Retrieved 2025-03-19.
- ^ "Trump administration to use AI in an effort to 'Catch and Revoke' student visas over alleged Hamas support". The Economic Times. 2025-03-07. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 2025-03-19.
- ^ "US moves to revoke visas over Hamas support with reported AI use - World News". Hürriyet Daily News. 2025-03-07. Retrieved 2025-03-19.
- ^ "US Launches AI-Powered Initiative to Target Pro-Palestine Support among Visa Holders". Palestine Chronicle. 2025-03-07. Retrieved 2025-03-19.
- ^ "US to reportedly use AI to revoke this type of visa - who will be impacted and other details". The Times of India. 2025-03-07. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2025-03-19.
- ^ a b Wood, Blake (2025-03-07). "MPAC Opposes State Department's Use of AI to Revoke Student Visas". Muslim Public Affairs Council. Retrieved 2025-03-19.
- ^ "Indian students in US at risk? State Department to use AI to revoke visas of students accused of Hamas ties: Reports". Business Today. 2025-03-07. Retrieved 2025-03-19.
- ^ Patel, Faiza (2025-03-18). "U.S. AI-Driven "Catch and Revoke" Initiative Threatens First Amendment Rights". Just Security. Retrieved 2025-03-19.