State Dept to Use AI for Visa Revocation

The US State Department plans to use AI technology in a new initiative called 'Catch and Revoke' to identify and revoke visas of foreign students suspected of supporting Palestinian Hamas militants. This effort, which involves reviewing tens of thousands of social media accounts, is part of a broader crackdown on perceived anti-Israel sentiment, following an executive order by President Donald Trump aimed at combating antisemitism. The policy has led to the first known visa revocation for a student allegedly involved in 'Hamas-supporting disruptions'. Critics, including civil rights organizations, have raised concerns about potential misidentifications and privacy violations, arguing that AI may not accurately interpret complex political speech. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized a zero-tolerance stance for foreign visitors supporting terror groups, warning that violators could face deportation. The initiative has drawn criticism as a threat to free speech and privacy rights, amid fears it could target lawful protest activities.