Amnesty International Accuses U.S. of Using AI to Target Migrants and Foreign Students

Amnesty International Accuses U.S. of Using AI to Target Migrants and Foreign Students
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Amnesty International has accused U.S. authorities of violating human rights by employing artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to monitor migrants and foreign protesters supporting the Palestinian cause amid escalating demonstrations against the Gaza conflict.

In a statement, Erika Guevara-Rosas, Amnesty’s Director of Research, expressed deep concern over the U.S. government’s deployment of AI tools as part of mass deportation and suppression efforts targeting Palestinian solidarity expression.

The report highlights that AI-powered surveillance disproportionately affects foreign students, refugees, and asylum seekers, resulting in unlawful detentions and mass expulsions. This creates an atmosphere of fear among migrant communities and international students within U.S. educational institutions. Amnesty warns that these practices infringe on fundamental rights to free expression and due process.

Since returning to office in January, President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on American universities, accusing them of enabling pro-Palestinian activism amid the Israeli-Gaza conflict, equating such movements with antisemitism. His administration has reduced research funding for various institutions, arrested pro-Palestinian protesters, and threatened deportations.

Additionally, policies have discouraged admissions of foreign students to institutions like Harvard, suspending visa reviews pending social media screening. Foreign students interviewed by AFP reported reluctance to study in the U.S., fearing repercussions linked to social media posts expressing Palestinian support or criticizing Trump.

The Amnesty report specifically critiques the AI tool “Babel X,” which rapidly scans social media for content linked to “terrorism.” However, it warns the technology’s intent-inference mechanisms carry significant error margins and biases, often misclassifying legitimate Palestinian advocacy as antisemitic, thereby risking unjust consequences. Amnesty International urges the U.S. government to halt such AI-driven practices that undermine migrants’ rights and calls for transparent, fair treatment respecting human rights standards.