The US government has revoked the visas of over 300 foreign nationals, including Turkish doctoral student Rumeysa Ozturk, due to their involvement in pro-Palestine protests on university campuses.
US State Secretary Marco Rubio confirmed that authorities have initiated a crackdown on foreign students and visitors participating in pro-Palestine activities at American universities.
Read more: Columbia University Issues Harsh Punishments for Pro-Palestine Protesters
A day prior, the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency detained Rumeysa Ozturk, a Tufts University student, after she expressed support for Palestine in a co-authored article.
Rubio stated, “We revoked her visa … once your visa is revoked, you are no longer legally allowed to stay in the US. If you come here as a visitor and cause disruptions, we don’t want it. Go back and do it in your own country.”
He further explained that the visa cancellations extend beyond student visas, affecting various types of permits. He emphasized that any foreign visitors engaging in activities contrary to US national interests and foreign policy will have their visas revoked.
