US visa policy is being shaped around criticism of Israel, a bad sign for free speech protections at home.

• More than 250,000 visas have been revoked, with pressure on foreign school curricula framed as part of the same push.
• The worry is that Americans could be punished for speech critical of a foreign government.
• Decades of US military and financial support for Israel are cited as reason Washington should hold the leverage, not the reverse.
• Speech about Middle East policy is exactly the kind of expression the First Amendment is supposed to cover.

Outlook: Expect more fights over whether criticism of Israel can trigger immigration or legal consequences.