UPenn Student's 'Globalize the Intifada' Chant Reignites Debate on Student Visa Deportations Amidst Thousands of Revocations

Philadelphia – A University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) student, Zara Raven, who is in the U.S. on a student visa, has drawn significant attention following an incident where she was seen leading a crowd in chanting "globalize the intifada." The tweet, posted by Eyal Yakoby, further alleged that the crowd subsequently began "accosting police officers," and directly questioned the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) about the possibility of her deportation. This event has fueled ongoing discussions regarding the boundaries of free speech for international students and the implications for their visa status.

The incident occurred amidst a period of heightened tensions and pro-Palestinian demonstrations on college campuses across the United States. UPenn, like many other institutions, has experienced significant protest activity, including encampments and calls for divestment from Israel-linked entities. These demonstrations have often led to confrontations with university administrations and law enforcement, resulting in arrests and disciplinary actions against students.

Zara Raven is identified as a third-year student in UPenn's School of Social Policy & Practice, pursuing clinical social work. She has previously published a guest column in The Daily Pennsylvanian, where she discussed facing discrimination as a marginalized student and connected her experiences to broader societal issues and the university's response to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Her involvement in the protest aligns with her stated activism for social justice.

The call for "globalize the intifada" is a highly controversial phrase, interpreted by some as a call for violence against Israel, while others view it as a call for global resistance against oppression. The U.S. government has increasingly scrutinized such expressions, particularly from international students. The Trump administration has notably revoked over 6,000 student visas since the start of its second term, citing reasons ranging from "law violations" to "support for terrorism" and "adverse foreign policy consequences."

These visa revocations have sparked legal challenges, with many arguing that the actions infringe upon students' First Amendment rights to free speech. While international students generally possess free speech protections, their temporary visa status makes them vulnerable to deportation if their activities are deemed to violate immigration laws or pose a threat to national security. The DHS and State Department maintain the authority to revoke visas for activities deemed counter to U.S. interests, a policy that has generated fear and uncertainty within the international student community.

The explicit call for deportation in the tweet highlights the growing pressure on authorities to address the conduct of international students involved in politically charged protests. Universities are navigating a complex landscape, balancing commitments to free expression with maintaining campus safety and adhering to federal immigration policies. The outcome for individuals like Zara Raven will likely continue to shape the discourse around student activism and international student rights in the U.S.