Trump Administration Cancels 250,000 Visas, Targets Anti-Semitic Activity and Textbook Content

Rabbi Yehuda Kaplun, the U.S. special envoy for monitoring and combating anti-Semitism, disclosed that the Trump administration has revoked over 250,000 visas since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term. These cancellations include individuals involved in anti-Semitic activities, according to Kaplun’s briefing at the U.S. State Department. The move is part of a broader policy to enhance foreign entry controls and combat hate crimes related to anti-Jewish incidents.

The U.S. State Department reported a significant rise in visa cancellations over the past year. By the end of September, the number had surpassed 250,000, with August seeing over 175,000 revocations. Reasons cited for these cancellations include violent offenses, fraud, drug-related crimes, violations of stay conditions, and support for terrorism. Kaplun noted that the administration has intensified visa inspection procedures to prevent individuals engaged in anti-Semitic activities from entering or remaining in the United States.

In addition to domestic measures, Kaplun revealed that the U.S. State Department is collaborating with foreign governments to address anti-Semitic content in their educational systems. Saudi Arabia was specifically mentioned as a country where efforts are underway to revise curricula and remove material that promotes hatred toward Jews. Kaplun highlighted an extreme example from a textbook in one country, which included a question asking to calculate the number of Israelis killed within nine days, based on the killing of 127 Israelis in one day.

A study examining 136 books in human subjects found that instances of anti-Semitic content previously identified in earlier assessments had been removed from the books reviewed. Kaplun emphasized during the briefing that education serves as a critical tool in the fight against anti-Semitism and hatred directed at other religious groups. He stated that the Trump administration plans to continue combining enforcement actions within the United States with diplomatic efforts abroad to address these issues.

The administration’s approach reflects a dual strategy of internal enforcement and international collaboration. By tightening visa processes and working with foreign governments to reform educational materials, the Trump administration aims to curb the spread of anti-Semitic ideologies. This effort aligns with broader goals of promoting justice and accountability, as seen in Micah 6:8, which calls for acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God. Such principles guide the pursuit of peace and the protection of vulnerable communities.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Hebrew)