The U.S. State Department launched an artificial intelligence-powered program to cancel visas of foreign nationals it identifies as supporting terrorist organizations. Axios first reported the move.
Officials said the effort will include reviews of social media accounts appearing to sympathize with designated terrorist groups.
The Trump administration reportedly started investigating databases to identify visa holders arrested but permitted to stay in the U.S. during the Biden administration.
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The U.S. State Department launched an artificial intelligence-powered “Catch and Revoke” program to cancel visas of foreign nationals it identifies as supporting Hamas or other terrorist organizations. Axios first reported the move on Thursday, March 6, citing senior State Department officials.
What is the State Department looking for?
Officials said the effort includes reviews of social media accounts appearing to sympathize with designated terrorist groups. However, it did not reveal specifics on how it uses AI in this process.
The Trump administration reportedly started investigating databases to identify visa holders arrested but permitted to stay in the U.S. during the Biden administration.
An official also revealed they’re examining media reports about pro-Palestinian protests and lawsuits from Jewish students accusing foreign nationals of committing antisemitic acts at universities.
Officials said the agency is working with the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security to identify foreign nationals deemed threats to national security.
How many people has the program analyzed?
The “Catch and Revoke” program reportedly examined 100,000 individuals within the Student Exchange Visitor System since October 2023. The program aims to find out if any visas were revoked because of student arrests or school suspensions.
A State Department source accused the Biden administration of ignoring the issue. The source said the administration didn’t revoke any visas during former President Joe Biden’s term.
