U.S. Revokes Student Visas Over Political Activism and Gaza War Protests
WASHINGTON – The Trump administration has intensified its crackdown on student visas, canceling thousands in recent months as part of a broader push to tighten U.S. immigration rules.
According to officials, roughly 4,000 visas have been revoked after holders were found guilty of offenses including assault, burglary, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In addition, between 200 and 300 visas were canceled on grounds of terrorism-related links, under provisions outlined in the State Department’s Foreign Affairs Manual. Authorities did not specify which groups the affected students were allegedly connected to.
The administration’s actions come amid heightened scrutiny of international students, with U.S. diplomats directed to closely vet applicants who may be politically active or seen as hostile to American interests. Officials have also expanded social media monitoring as part of the visa screening process.
President Donald Trump has clashed with several universities, accusing them of harboring antisemitism following student-led demonstrations in support of Palestinians during the Gaza war. In a dispute with Harvard, Trump froze federal funding for investigations and threatened to strip the school of its tax-exempt status. The move has prompted several European countries to expand research grants to attract students and scholars.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that hundreds, possibly thousands, of visas were revoked, including those of students, for engaging in activities deemed contrary to U.S. foreign policy.
In one case, a Tufts University student from Turkey was detained in Louisiana for more than six weeks after co-writing an opinion article critical of her university’s response to Israel’s military actions in Gaza. She was eventually released on bail following a federal court order.
Critics argue the policy amounts to a direct assault on free speech, warning that deporting students for their political views undermines First Amendment protections.
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