In a remarkable act, the Trump administration has revoked visas for over 300 foreign students, exemplifying its commitment to strict immigration enforcement.
See the tweet below!
This action directly targets those at the heart of pro-Palestinian protests on U.S. campuses.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted this as an essential step for national security.
Rubio revealed the Trump administration’s plan during a press conference in Guyana on March 27, 2025.
Confirming the revocation of over 300 foreign student visas, Rubio emphasized, “Every time I find one of these lunatics I take away their visa.”
This is part of a broader government crackdown to arrest and deport student activists seen as adversaries.
Rubio’s statement underscores a policy aimed at ensuring visas are used solely for education, not activism that threatens campuses.
A critical case involves Rumeysa Ozturk, a Turkish doctoral student and Fulbright Scholar from Tufts University.
Her visa was revoked following an op-ed supporting Palestinians, leading to her detention by masked officers.
Despite her being ordered to remain in Massachusetts, Ozturk is held in a Louisiana detention center.
The State Department claims she participated in activities supporting Hamas, sparking a broader social media outcry.
Yet, Rubio remains firm that student visas should not be a gateway to unrest.
Further compounding tensions, notable activist Mahmoud Khalil is also detained in Louisiana without charges, demonstrating the administration’s broad application of the Immigration and Nationality Act to protect U.S. interests.
Criticism has arisen from figures like Senator Elizabeth Warren, who views these detentions as violations of civil liberties and due process.
Meanwhile, President Trump’s January executive order to deport “Hamas sympathizers” remains central to these efforts.
“Every time I find one of these lunatics I take away their visa,” Rubio told reporters at a press conference in Guyana, cited by Politico. “Might be more than 300 at this point. Might be more. We do it every day.”
The visa crackdown affects more than just students; legal permanent residents like Khalil have been caught in the administration’s crosshairs.
Sec. of State Marco Rubio says the State Department has revoked 300 or more student visas, as the White House increasingly targets foreign-born students whose whose main transgression seems to be activism. https://t.co/S5a6uORdt6
— NBC News (@NBCNews) March 28, 2025
Adding fuel to the fire, the administration halted deportation efforts on Yunseo Chung, a Columbia University student, after a judge’s order.
Additionally, funds were stripped from universities failing to curb antisemitism, with Columbia University losing $400 million.
These maneuvers align with efforts to stamp out anti-American sentiment on campuses by installing stricter immigration controls.
This comprehensive strategy highlights a firm stance against visa misuse.
Secretary Rubio’s hardline approach finds supporters and critics as he pledges to expand visa revocations.
The Trump administration’s measures appear rooted in safeguarding citizens and ensuring educational institutions remain free from hostile influence.
