US Revokes 300 Student Visas in Crackdown on Campus Protests

[Social Media]

 

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the United States has revoked at least 300 visas of foreign students as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to curb pro-Palestinian demonstrations on university campuses. "Maybe more than 300 at this point," Rubio said while speaking to reporters during a visit to Guyana. "We do it every day, every time I find one of these lunatics."  

🔥@SecRubio: "We gave you a visa to come and study and get a degree - not to become a social activist that tears up our university campuses" pic.twitter.com/1PfTT8bcTs

— Aviva Klompas (@AvivaKlompas) March 27, 2025

 

Rubio was asked to confirm how many student visas had been canceled as part of the administration’s crackdown on rhetoric that it deems anti-Israel. His comments followed the arrest of Rumeysa Ozturk, a Turkish doctoral student at Tufts University, who was taken into custody by masked, plain-clothes officers outside her residence in Boston, Massachusetts. A video of the arrest, showing Ozturk being led to an unmarked car, quickly went viral, sparking protests online.  

 

 

Ozturk, a Fulbright Scholar on an F-1 student visa, is enrolled in a doctoral program for Child Study and Human Development at Tufts. When asked why her visa was revoked, Rubio responded, "Here's why: I've said it everywhere, and I'll say it again. If you apply for a student visa to come to the United States and you say you're coming not just to study, but to participate in movements that vandalize universities, harass students, take over buildings, and cause chaos, we're not giving you that visa."  

 

It remains unclear whether Ozturk has been formally charged with any crimes. Rubio did not specify the allegations against her but acknowledged that she had participated in pro-Palestinian protests. She also co-authored an opinion piece in the Tufts student newspaper last year, calling on the university to divest from companies linked to Israel and to recognize "Palestinian genocide."  

 

Ozturk’s lawyer, Mahsa Khanbabai, argued that her client’s arrest was politically motivated. "Based on patterns we are seeing across the country, her exercising her free speech rights appears to have played a role in her detention," Khanbabai told Reuters.  

 

This latest arrest is part of a broader trend of actions taken against international students who have expressed support for Palestine. Trump officials have cited the Immigration and Nationality Act as the legal basis for these deportations, arguing that it allows the State Department to remove non-citizens deemed "adversarial to the foreign policy and national security interests" of the US.  

 

The crackdown is in line with an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in January, aimed at combating what his administration has classified as antisemitism. Since then, the White House has revoked $400 million in federal funding for Columbia University over allegations that it failed to address antisemitism on its campus, and it has warned other universities of similar consequences.  

 

One of the most high-profile cases involves Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate, who remains detained in a Louisiana facility without charges. Ozturk was also transported to a Louisiana detention center, despite a Massachusetts federal judge ordering her detention to take place in-state. The judge has given the government until Friday to provide more details on her arrest.  

 

US Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin alleged that Ozturk "engaged in activities in support of Hamas, a foreign terrorist organization that relishes the killing of Americans." However, no formal charges have been announced against her.  

 

Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat from Massachusetts, strongly criticized the arrest, calling it "the latest in an alarming pattern to stifle civil liberties." She added, "The Trump administration is targeting students with legal status and ripping people out of their communities without due process. This is an attack on our Constitution and basic freedoms – and we will push back."  

 

The administration has faced legal challenges over its actions. On Wednesday, a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to halt efforts to deport Yunseo Chung, a Columbia University student and legal permanent resident who immigrated to the US from South Korea as a child.  

 

Rubio defended the administration’s stance, stating, "The US gives students visas to earn a degree, not to become a social activist tearing up our campuses." He added, "If you lie, get the visa, and then engage in that kind of behavior once you're here, we're going to revoke it."

 

Based on a report by BBC  2025-03-28

 

Related Topics:

Lawsuit by Hostage Families Targets Campus Activists Over Alleged Support for Hamas

A difference between free speech and persecuting Jews

Democrats Face Backlash for Supporting Arrested Palestinian Activist Mahmoud Khalil

Federal Education Department Investigates 60 Universities Over Antisemitism Allegations

Trump’s Bold Stand Against Campus Antisemitism Sends a Clear Message

Trump Border Czar: ICE Will ‘Absolutely’ Deport Legal Immigrants

Trump Threatens to Cut Federal Funding Over Campus Protests

U.S. State Dept to Use AI to Revoke Visas of Foreign Students with Alleged Ties to Hamas

 

 

[hotsun]

The chickens are coming home to roost

[Cryingdick]

It's a start.

[rabas]

Meanwhile, Gazan's are fed up and in their 3rd day of anti-Hamas protests.  Money for US pro Palestinian protests likely stems from Iran.

 

https://x.com/Osint613/status/190525398031530025

 

[JonnyF]

Great news.

 

Now ramp it up. 

[SiSePuede419]

Rubio confirms he revoked Tufts student's visa, says he pulls visas 'every day'

 

Lil' Rubio is a daily visa puller.

 

Probably does the ladies cardio circuit.

 

When is leg day, Bro?

 

Stay hydrated, my friend. 😀

 

[stevenl]

No dissent allowed anymore. 

[Bkk Brian]

1 minute ago, stevenl said:

No dissent allowed anymore. 

Trust you...........

 

6 hours ago, Social Media said:

"engaged in activities in support of Hamas, a foreign terrorist organization that relishes the killing of Americans."

 

[quake]

Here you go trouble makers.

Have a nice day.

 

[riclag]

Never Forget what these Useful idiots (lunatics) are saying and most importantly doing

in and around universities!

Im looking forward to the day , the Fbi 

go after the donors, who have sponsored the radical students . Also worth mentioning ,there is a strong resistance by judges

to thwart 47’s agenda through  injunctions , I’d like to see the extremist impeached and or removed.

 

 

"We gave you a visa to come and study and get a degree, not to become activist tearing up our campuses”.

 

 

 

 

 

https://www.foxnews.com/world/rubio-warns-visas-revoked-all-foreign-student-activists-amid-tufts-arrest

 

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/republicans-seek-impeachment-2-more-judges-who-stymied-trump-2025-03-24/

[connda]

8 hours ago, Social Media said:

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the United States has revoked at least 300 visas of foreign students as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to curb pro-Palestinian demonstrations on university campuses.

I don't agree with this at all.  For anyone who thought I'm a MAGA man - I'm not.  There are plenty of Trump policies that I don't agree with.  This is one of them.  It is meant to "chill freedom of speech" and goes 180 degree counter to the US Constitution's First Amendment protections.  It is a really dangerous precedent.  Those protections don't apply to just US citizens, they apply to everyone legally residing in the US.  I expect these case to be taken up by the SCOTUS as they should.

[malibukid]

fair enough, not their country.  can you imagine what the Thai government would do if the farangs joined in anti government protest here?

[WDSmart]

 This is a violation of their First Amendment right to free speech. I understand that this part of the Constitution applies to everyone who is legally in the USA. I'm sure this will be challenged in court, and we'll see what happens then. 

[Bkk Brian]

2 hours ago, riclag said:

Never Forget what these Useful idiots (lunatics) are saying and most importantly doing

in and around universities!

Im looking forward to the day , the Fbi 

go after the donors, who have sponsored the radical students . Also worth mentioning ,there is a strong resistance by judges

to thwart 47’s agenda through  injunctions , I’d like to see the extremist impeached and or removed.

 

 

"We gave you a visa to come and study and get a degree, not to become activist tearing up our campuses”.

 

 

 

 

 

https://www.foxnews.com/world/rubio-warns-visas-revoked-all-foreign-student-activists-amid-tufts-arrest

 

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/republicans-seek-impeachment-2-more-judges-who-stymied-trump-2025-03-24/

Some of the hostage families are taking these useful idiots to court to. 

 

“Columbia SJP was the leading organizer of pro-Hamas disruptions, encampments, and riots on Columbia’s campus, including virulent antisemitic protests that harassed and physically intimidated Jewish students and faculty, glorified Hamas, engaged in dangerous premeditated unlawful acts, and significantly impaired Columbia University’s ability to provide educational services to its students,” the suit states.

https://nypost.com/2025/03/25/us-news/families-of-hamas-hostages-claim-anti-israel-protest-groups-like-columbias-students-for-justice-in-palestine-had-prior-knowledge-of-oct-7-attack-in-bombshell-suit/

[thailand49]

Let's be clear the article doesn't!

As Rubio noted if you aren't applying as a student but to demontrate of course the Visa shouldnt be granted.

 

If the student has been granted studying now caught up in a protest, if protest is legal, peaceful, and not inciting violence with speech of hate intimidation, harassment whether  citizen or not should be afforded the first Amendment.

But if one steps over the line break the law citizen or not should be arrested, charged if found guilty by our system if not a citizen yes should be expelled. 

I believe if these are the circumstances the Supreme court will rule properly.  I believe in the system and please don't say the courts are stacked if I'm correct.🙃

[riclag]

4 hours ago, connda said:

I don't agree with this at all.  For anyone who thought I'm a MAGA man - I'm not.  There are plenty of Trump policies that I don't agree with.  This is one of them.  It is meant to "chill freedom of speech" and goes 180 degree counter to the US Constitution's First Amendment protections.  It is a really dangerous precedent.  Those protections don't apply to just US citizens, they apply to everyone legally residing in the US.  I expect these case to be taken up by the SCOTUS as they should.

Disagree ! You & I are only  allowed to see a smidgeon  of information! 
Put your thinking cap on , much of the bad stuff is protected by the intel complex.

Intimidation , violence and criminal activity issues are anti American , and are being instigated by foreign terrorist organizations, internationally & domestically .

 

Roll on 140:00 for 5 minutes and watch Rp Banks calling for a investigation of Ccp Code Pink and Hamas. The far left are using a  new tool of the Ccp  ,the “RedGreen alliance”.

 

 

photo from source 

 

 

 

[chondan]

Riots are not free speech.

[Evil Penevil]

5 hours ago, connda said:

It is meant to "chill freedom of speech" and goes 180 degree counter to the US Constitution's First Amendment protections.  It is a really dangerous precedent.  Those protections don't apply to just US citizens, they apply to everyone legally residing in the US.  I expect these case to be taken up by the SCOTUS as they should.

 

Some of the posters on AN need an introductory course in First Amendment 101, a refresher course at the very least.  Among its other provisions, the amendment states (my bold text) "the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."  PEACEFUL protest is protected, not the extreme disruption seen during the campus protests,  encampments and building occupations by pro-Palestinian groups.  Nor is harassment of Jewish students an exercise in free speech.  It is a violation of both university policy and U.S. law.

 

Mahmoud Khalil and all other foreign students who have lost their permission to remain in the U.S. have violated the terms under which their visas were granted.  Khalil failed to disclose relevant information on his application for permanent resident status,  which is obvious grounds for revocation.

 

In 2024, the U,S. allowed 1.1 million foreign students to study in U.S. institutions of higher education, an all-time high.  https://www.iie.org/news/us-hosts-more-than-1-1-million-intl-students-at-higher-education-institutions-all-time-high/  About 300 are facing removal for various violations that go way beyond protected speech and protest.  It's hardly a move that will "chill" freedom of speech.

[thesetat]

6 hours ago, connda said:

I don't agree with this at all.  For anyone who thought I'm a MAGA man - I'm not.  There are plenty of Trump policies that I don't agree with.  This is one of them.  It is meant to "chill freedom of speech" and goes 180 degree counter to the US Constitution's First Amendment protections.  It is a really dangerous precedent.  Those protections don't apply to just US citizens, they apply to everyone legally residing in the US.  I expect these case to be taken up by the SCOTUS as they should.

Ok so the next time there is a protest at your Embassy or in Thailand against the Gov. We will all see you standing there outspoken and causing havoc. 

These people were guests in the USA. They violated their rules for their visas. They need to be kicked out. The same would happen to you if you did this in Thailand

[still kicking]

3 hours ago, chondan said:

Riots are not free speech.

Ahhhh, but storming the White House is free speech 

[Nick Carter icp]

9 minutes ago, still kicking said:

Ahhhh, but storming the White House is free speech 

 

   Stick to the subject and not whataboutery 

[still kicking]

1 minute ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   Stick to the subject and not whataboutery 

Riots are not free speech. is sticking to the topic?

[mogandave]

More great news!

 

We don’t need violent activists taking over our universities. 

[Nick Carter icp]

1 minute ago, still kicking said:

Riots are not free speech. is sticking to the topic?

 

   The topic is "US Revokes 300 Student Visas in Crackdown on Campus Protests" , the topic isn't about Capitol hill 2020

[NickyLouie]

7 hours ago, malibukid said:

fair enough, not their country.  can you imagine what the Thai government would do if the farangs joined in anti government protest here?

 

The liberal cry babies here have 0 concept of this.

 

Hopefully the pukes in USA who are doing this garbage got the memo or send them packing ASAP.

 

 

[mogandave]

2 minutes ago, still kicking said:

Riots are not free speech. is sticking to the topic?

Had the J6 rioters been on student visas, yiu can bet they’d have been deported 

[Etaoin Shrdlu]

24 minutes ago, still kicking said:

Ahhhh, but storming the White House is free speech 

 

Not to mention "hang Mike Pence".

 

And now Trump wants to compensate this scum for their well-deserved time in prison.

[Etaoin Shrdlu]

12 minutes ago, mogandave said:

More great news!

 

We don’t need violent activists taking over our universities. 

 

We don't need violent MAGAs storming the capitol and threatening to hang Mike Pence, either. Yet not only has Trump pardoned most of them, but now wants to compensate them for their time in prison.

[still kicking]

3 minutes ago, Etaoin Shrdlu said:

 

Not to mention "hang Mike Pence".

 

And now Trump wants to compensate this scum for their well-deserved time in prison.

Maga deflection is coming up shortly

[Etaoin Shrdlu]

12 minutes ago, mogandave said:

Had the J6 rioters been on student visas, yiu can bet they’d have been deported 

 

Yes, because they clearly broke the law and were charged with crimes, unlike many of the students who are being deported without being charged with any crime.