The Trump administration has revoked more than 6,000 student visas, a State Department official confirmed. The revocations are attributed to a range of reasons including legal violations, visa overstays, and alleged links to terrorism, reflecting an intensified focus on immigration and national security.
Approximately 4,000 visas were revoked due to criminal activities such as assaults and driving under the influence. An additional 200 to 300 students had their visas canceled over alleged support for terrorism, with some reportedly involved in fundraising for designated terrorist organizations like Hamas.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been actively implementing this policy, using existing laws to withdraw visas from individuals deemed to hold views contrary to U.S. foreign policy interests. This includes targeting students who have participated in protests critical of the Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip, with Rubio stating a daily revocation of visas for those engaged in militant actions.
This policy aligns with an executive order signed by President Donald Trump, which mandated enhanced screening for all entries into the United States to identify foreign nationals with potentially hostile attitudes towards the nation's institutions and values. The administration's restrictive measures have led to a notable increase in visa cancellations, causing friction with some universities that are accused of not aligning with the country's foreign policy objectives.
Civil liberties advocates have raised concerns that these measures may infringe upon the freedom of expression and privacy rights of international students. In response, student organizations and civil rights groups have indicated their intention to challenge these visa revocations in court, asserting that the decisions are politically motivated rather than driven by genuine national security concerns.