Secretary of State Marco Rubio continues his crackdown on foreign students who protest against Israel, with over 300 visas already revoked. The Trump administration is sending a clear message: America will not tolerate anti-Israel activism from guests in our country.
At a glance:
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio has revoked more than 300 visas from foreign students involved in anti-Israel protests
• The crackdown targets pro-Palestinian activists at American universities, including Columbia, Tufts, and the University of Alabama
• Some students have been detained by immigration agents with little warning or explanation
• The State Department is using Cold War-era provisions to justify these deportations
• Rubio defended the policy, calling the protesters “lunatics” and asserting America’s right to decide who stays in the country
Rubio Takes Strong Action Against Anti-Israel Foreign Students
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is leading a major effort to remove foreign students who participate in anti-Israel protests from American soil. During a recent press conference in Guyana, Rubio confirmed that the State Department has revoked over 300 visas from foreign nationals involved in pro-Palestinian activism. Protests have continued on US campuses since the Hamas terror attack on Israel in 2023, resulting in Jewish students feeling unsafe.
The crackdown is part of the Trump administration’s renewed commitment to supporting Israel and combating antisemitism. “Every country in the world has a right to decide who comes in and who doesn’t,” Rubio said during the press conference, adding, “We’re looking every day for these lunatics that are tearing things up.”
High-Profile Deportations Send Strong Message
The visa cancellations are targeting foreign-born students at several prominent universities, including Columbia University, Tufts, and the University of Alabama. Among the most visible cases is that of Rumeysa Ozturk, a Turkish student whose visa was revoked after participating in anti-Israel demonstrations recently.
Some students have already been deported while others remain in detention facilities. The administration is also targeting permanent legal residents, such as Mahmoud Khalil, who holds a green card but remains in detention.
America First Policy in Action
The State Department is utilizing a Cold War-era provision to justify the deportations, which allows for visa revocation if activities pose adverse foreign policy consequences.
Columbia University, in particular, is facing pressure from the Trump administration to address alleged harassment of Jewish students, which officials say has led to policy changes. The new crackdown has been particularly effective in reinforcing the notion that student visas are a privilege, not a right, and can be revoked when foreigners engage in activities contrary to American interests.
The tough stance has earned praise from conservatives who see this as part of President Trump’s broader success in enforcing immigration laws without requiring new legislation.
