President Trump’s executive order targeting anti-Semitism has sparked backlash over concerns it threatens free speech. The order allows international students to be deported if they participate in protests deemed “anti-Israel,” a move critics say conflates political dissent with hate speech.

Legal experts warn that using immigration laws this way sets a dangerous precedent. By equating support for Palestine with anti-Semitism, the administration risks silencing students and activists, creating fear on college campuses and blurring the line between hate and criticism.

Civil rights groups argue the order undermines democratic norms like freedom of expression and peaceful protest. Critics say it’s a step toward authoritarian tactics—punishing dissent rather than promoting open debate—and may damage America’s reputation as a global defender of free speech.

While the goal of fighting anti-Semitism is widely supported, many believe this order tests America’s values. Can the country protect its citizens from hate while also protecting the right to speak out? Or will it choose suppression over freedom in the name of security?