Washington, March 10: Harmit Dhillon, the U.S. Assistant Attorney General, stated on Monday that foreign visitors, including students studying on college campuses, must adhere to U.S. laws. Failure to comply could result in losing the right to remain in the country.
In an interview with The Brief, Dhillon emphasized that foreign visitors, especially students, must follow U.S. laws while in the country. Those who violate these laws or create disturbances on university campuses may face strict enforcement actions.
“Visitors to the U.S. must comply with the law, particularly on college campuses, or they will have to leave,” Dhillon remarked.
In a social media post, she reiterated that the Justice Department will not tolerate violence or hatred against students and will protect their civil rights.
Her comments come amid rising tensions at several U.S. universities, linked to protests following the attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent Middle Eastern conflict.
Dhillon pointed out that there are serious concerns regarding antisemitism and aggressive protests at many prominent universities.
“We are witnessing significant unrest at our Ivy League institutions due to antisemitism and protests related to the events of October 7, 2023. When visitors break the law, officials should adopt a zero-tolerance policy,” she stated.
“If you are a guest in this country, you do not have the right to break our laws or create disturbances on our campuses,” Dhillon added.
She stressed that foreign visitors should respect the legal framework of the U.S. “You are a guest, a visitor. You cannot expect a warm welcome while stretching your feet on our living room sofa.”
Like other nations, the U.S. has the right to enforce its laws and determine who can stay in the country. “It is entirely reasonable for our country, as others do, to monitor its borders and state that if you do not follow our laws, you must leave,” Dhillon explained.
She noted that some countries enforce such rules more strictly than the U.S. “When someone is convicted of a crime, they lose the right to remain here.”
Her remarks highlight the ongoing political debate in the U.S. concerning campus protests, adherence to immigration laws, and the responsibilities of foreign students studying at American universities.
Since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023, there have been large-scale protests at numerous U.S. universities. Following these demonstrations, lawmakers and federal officials have called for stringent actions against antisemitism, while some have expressed concerns about freedom of expression.
International students play a significant role in the U.S. higher education system. Over one million foreign students study at American universities, contributing to academic research, innovation, and the U.S. economy. Under visa regulations, they are required to comply with federal and university rules.
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