In response to escalating protests and growing scrutiny over the role of international students in political activism on university campuses, a Texas lawmaker has introduced legislation aimed at curbing what he describes as “potentially illegal” behavior by non-citizen students and employees.
Senate Bill 2233, filed by State Senator Adam Hinojosa (R-Corpus Christi), proposes a sweeping new policy that would prohibit students and university employees on nonimmigrant visas from publicly supporting terrorism or persuading others to do so. The move comes amid heightened political tension following Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel and subsequent protests on college campuses across Texas and the U.S.
“The goal is simple: to protect the security and integrity of our higher education institutions,” Hinojosa said in a statement. “We cannot allow individuals who are guests in this country to promote terrorism or engage in activities that threaten public safety.”
Under the bill, public universities in Texas would be required to implement policies that ban any student or employee holding a nonimmigrant visa from endorsing or promoting terrorist activity connected to an ongoing conflict. The bill also forbids individuals from attempting to persuade others to support such activity—unless that support aligns with the official policy of the U.S. government.
The proposed legislation uses definitions drawn from federal immigration law—specifically 8 U.S.C. Section 1182—which identifies individuals who engage in or promote terrorist activity as inadmissible to the U.S. This includes not only direct participation in violence, but also communication, fundraising, or public support for organizations classified as terrorist entities.
If a student or employee is reported for violating the policy, the university would be obligated to investigate. The bill mandates a one-year suspension for a first offense and expulsion or termination for a second. Institutions would also be required to report violations to the Department of Homeland Security via the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
Governor Greg Abbott has voiced full support for the bill, saying on social media, “Texas bill would make universities suspend, expel students on visas who support terrorism. Let’s get this to my desk and make it law in Texas.”
This legislative push is the latest in a series of actions by state and federal leaders to crack down on what they describe as increasing radicalism and antisemitism on college campuses. In March 2024, Abbott signed an executive order requiring all public colleges in Texas to update free speech policies to specifically address antisemitic conduct and impose disciplinary actions, including expulsion.
Former President Donald Trump, echoing similar sentiments, signed a federal executive order aimed at “combating antisemitism” on campuses, pledging a crackdown on pro-terrorist advocacy and conduct deemed hostile to Jewish students.
The debate has sparked significant controversy, particularly among civil liberties and immigration rights groups, who argue that SB 2233 could chill free speech and unfairly target international students based on political views.
“While no one supports terrorism, labeling student protest as ‘terrorist support’ opens the door to broad overreach,” said Amina Rahman, policy director at the Texas Civil Rights Coalition. “We risk punishing students not for dangerous actions, but for controversial opinions.”
Texas universities have reportedly seen more than 250 international students lose their legal visa status in recent months, according to internal records cited by lawmakers. Officials like Secretary of State Marco Rubio have said the U.S. has the right to deny visas or revoke them if foreign nationals participate in protests or disruptive activity.
“If you lie to us and get a visa to enter the United States, and with that visa participate in that sort of activity, we’re going to take away your visa,” Rubio said during a recent interview.
As the legislation moves through committee hearings, universities are bracing for potential legal challenges and protests from both sides. Advocates for the bill say it’s a necessary step in ensuring campus safety and upholding American values. Opponents argue it’s a slippery slope toward censorship and discriminatory enforcement.
.jpg)
