US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that more than 300 student visas have been revoked as part of a crackdown on anti-Israel protests at American universities. Referring to the affected individuals as “lunatics,” Rubio stated that the administration is actively identifying and removing foreign students involved in campus activism.
Among the most high-profile cases is Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University protest leader, who was recently arrested and sent to Louisiana for deportation proceedings despite being a US permanent resident. Another controversial case is that of Rumeysa Ozturk, a Turkish doctoral student at Tufts University, who was detained by immigration agents after writing an article criticizing Israel’s actions in Gaza.
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The crackdown has sparked nationwide debate, with critics arguing that it threatens academic freedom and suppresses political dissent. Several organizations, including the American Association of University Professors, have filed lawsuits against the administration, accusing it of violating constitutional rights. Lawmakers such as Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley have also condemned the arrests.
Rubio, however, defended the decision, asserting that free speech protections do not extend to non-citizens. He emphasized that foreign students found engaging in disruptive activities would have their visas revoked. The Trump administration maintains that these measures are necessary to ensure campus safety and prevent hostile environments.
This policy shift has intensified discussions about immigration rights, freedom of expression, and the role of universities in political activism. With legal challenges mounting, the debate over student deportations is expected to continue in the coming weeks.
