The Trump administration has revoked thousands of foreign student visas under Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s “one-strike” policy, primarily targeting pro-Palestinian activists while warning that being in America is “a privilege, not a right.”
Key Takeaways
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio has implemented a “Catch-And-Revoke” policy for visa holders, resulting in thousands of revocations with minimal due process
- The policy specifically targets foreign students expressing pro-Palestinian views, with some facing arrest and detention for weeks despite minimal evidence against them
- Federal database searches have flagged 6,400 international students for minor infractions, triggering visa terminations and deportation proceedings
- Universities face pressure to comply with the administration’s demands to eliminate diversity programs or risk losing federal funding
- Legal challenges have resulted in some restraining orders and halted deportations, with immigration attorneys advising visa holders to challenge revocations in court
Rubio’s “Catch-And-Revoke” Policy Cracks Down on Foreign Students
The Trump administration has intensified its immigration enforcement with a strict new “one-strike” policy for international students and temporary visa holders. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been the driving force behind this initiative, which targets foreign students for even minor infractions rather than focusing solely on serious criminal offenses. The policy has resulted in a dramatic increase in visa revocations, from just a few hundred in late March to potentially thousands today, marking a significant shift in how America treats its international student population.
“Critically, the State Department has now made clear that a visa is a privilege, not a right,” said Marco Rubio, Secretary of State.
Pro-Palestinian Activists Face Targeted Enforcement
The administration’s enforcement efforts have particularly focused on foreign-born students expressing pro-Palestinian views. A federal database search recently flagged 6,400 international students for minor legal issues, leading to immediate visa terminations without providing these individuals an opportunity to respond to allegations against them. This aggressive approach has resulted in some troubling cases that have drawn congressional scrutiny and legal challenges. The State Department and Department of Homeland Security have increased coordination to terminate student status through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
“A visa is not a right, it is a privilege. If you’re coming to the US to lead campus crusades, to take over libraries, to try to burn down buildings, and commit acts of violence, we are not going to give you a visa,” said Marco Rubio, Secretary of State.
Controversial Detentions Spark Senate Confrontation
The case of Rumeysa Ozturk, a Turkish graduate student from Tufts University, has become emblematic of concerns about the policy’s implementation. Ozturk was detained for over six weeks after being taken by federal agents as part of the crackdown on pro-Palestinian students. Her detention appeared to be based primarily on an opinion piece she had written regarding the Gaza conflict, rather than any violent actions. A federal judge eventually ordered her release on bail, citing the lack of evidence against her beyond the opinion piece she authored.
This case sparked a heated exchange between Secretary Rubio and Senator Chris Van Hollen during a recent Senate hearing. Van Hollen directly confronted Rubio, stating, “I have to tell you directly and personally that I regret voting for you for secretary of state.” Rubio’s response reflected the administration’s firm stance on the issue, replying, “Your regret for voting for me confirms I’m doing a good job.” This tense exchange highlights the political division over the policy’s implementation and its targeting of specific viewpoints.
Legal Challenges Mount as Universities Face Pressure
Legal experts have raised serious concerns about the constitutionality of the “Catch-And-Revoke” policy and its potential to undermine established legal principles. Multiple legal challenges have been filed, resulting in restraining orders that have halted some deportations. Immigration attorneys are actively advising those impacted to challenge the visa revocations in court, citing due process concerns and the potential for law-abiding visa holders to be caught in the enforcement dragnet. Meanwhile, visa holders with H-1B status face a somewhat different process, requiring formal proceedings for status termination.
“Those who are impacted by Rubio’s catch and revoke policy should not hesitate to challenge the actions in court,” advised Cyrus Mehta, Immigration Attorney.
Beyond individual visa holders, the Trump administration has placed significant pressure on higher education institutions themselves. Universities face demands to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, with implicit threats to their federal funding if they fail to comply. This broader approach represents a fundamental shift in immigration enforcement policy, with Secretary Rubio promising that more visa revocations are forthcoming: “I don’t know the latest count, but we probably have more to do. We’re going to continue to revoke the visas of people who are here as guests and are disrupting our higher education facilities.”
