Senator Marsha called for the deportation of foreign nationals supporting Hamas and the revocation of federal student loans for American students arrested for same.
House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, representing New York, addressed a letter with strong criticism towards top Biden administration officials concerning the continuous anti-Israel protests at Columbia University.
The Congresswoman’s letter, dated Tuesday, was directed to Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and Attorney General Merrick Garland.
Stefanik did not hold back in her depiction of the chaos caused by the anti-Israel demonstrations at the prestigious Ivy League institution in New York City, which have posed threats to Jewish students and faculty alike.
The ongoing protests have led to the decision to shift all classes at Columbia to virtual platforms for the remainder of the semester, with the campus being described as “taken over” by protesters.
During a press conference on Tuesday, New York City Mayor Eric Adams attributed the situation to “outside agitators” fueling the unrest.
Stefanik’s letter highlighted the antisemitic sentiment prevalent among the protesters, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.
“Over the past few days, anarchy has consumed the Columbia University campus, rendering it unsafe for Jewish students and faculty,” she wrote.
She urged the Biden administration officials to take decisive action to quell the unrest and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
The Congresswoman characterized the protesters as an “unsanctioned mob of students and agitators” who have been allowed to persist in targeting Jewish individuals on campus.
She pointed out specific incidents of antisemitism that have occurred as a direct result of their activities, stressing the need for consequences for those inciting terrorism and violence.
Stefanik referenced the Immigration and Nationality Act, which stipulates that individuals endorsing terrorism can be deemed ineligible for American residency.
She highlighted the protesters’ open support for groups like Hamas and other terrorist organizations, arguing that by allowing such support to continue, a dangerous ideology is being allowed to spread unchecked.
She called for the enforcement of existing laws to revoke visas and deport students engaged in antisemitic actions.
Additionally, Stefanik called on the Department of Education to hold Columbia University accountable by withdrawing any federal funding it receives.
“It is long overdue for the Department of Education to release the findings of President Biden’s Title VI investigation and ensure that the university is held accountable,” she emphasized.
She further demanded that the Department take immediate action to cease all federal funding to Columbia and similar institutions to prevent taxpayer money from supporting ongoing discrimination.
In a separate development, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, that foreign students could face deportation if suspended from their courses while on a student visa, coinciding with the anti-Israel protests at Columbia University and other American colleges.
The protests, characterized by antisemitic rhetoric and threats to Jewish students, have prompted questions about the status of foreign students, particularly those on student visas.
Senator Marsha Blackburn called for the deportation of foreign nationals supporting Hamas and the revocation of federal student loans for American students arrested for the same.
DHS’ Homeland Security Investigations clarified that a temporary suspension does not necessarily impact a student’s visa status, but could lead to removal proceedings if deemed necessary.
However, the decision to deport a foreign national would ultimately be made by an immigration judge, with the State Department responsible for visa revocations.
Meanwhile, the protests have spread nationwide, with students from various states gathering to demonstrate against Israel.
Schools like Columbia, Yale, MIT, UC Berkeley, and others have witnessed anti-Israel demonstrations, marking the six-month milestone since the Israel-Hamas war began.
The nationwide movement continues to gain momentum, with administrators facing pressure to address the concerns of protesters while ensuring the safety and well-being of all students on campus.
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