Rubio Warns Visas Will Be Revoked for Foreign Student ‘Activists’ Amid Tufts Arrest

Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a stark warning on Thursday, emphasizing that visas for international students engaging in activism could be swiftly revoked. Speaking at a press event in Guyana, Rubio made it clear that the U.S. will not tolerate any foreign visitors causing disruptions.

"I don't care what movement you're involved in," Rubio declared. "Why would any country in the world allow people to come and disrupt? We gave you a visa to come and study and get a degree, not to become a social activist."

The remarks followed the recent arrest of Rumeysa Ozturk, a Tufts University student accused of supporting Hamas. Ozturk had penned a March 2024 op-ed criticizing the university’s ties to Israel during the Gaza conflict. While her article called for divestment from companies linked to Israel and referenced "Palestinian genocide," it did not explicitly endorse Hamas. Nevertheless, the Department of Homeland Security determined she had "engaged in activities in support of Hamas," though the evidence remains undisclosed.

Rubio defended the visa revocation policy, stating, "Every country in the world has a right to decide who comes in as a visitor and who doesn't." He also encouraged other nations to adopt similar measures, adding, "It's crazy to invite students into your country that are coming onto your campus and destabilizing it. We're just not going to have it."

Rubio revealed that the U.S. has already revoked approximately 300 visas under this policy. "Every time I find one of these lunatics, I take away their visa," he said. "At some point, I hope we run out because we've gotten rid of all of them. But, we're looking every day for these lunatics." His use of the term "lunatics" was certainly unfiltered, but it underscored his uncompromising stance.

The Secretary also highlighted that the policy extends beyond students to include gang members. He pointed to efforts to expel members of MS-13 and Tren de Aragua, who were previously held at Guantánamo Bay before being transferred to Venezuela and El Salvador.

Rubio’s comments reflect a broader push to tighten immigration and visa policies, raising questions about the balance between national security and academic freedom. While his stance is firm, critics may argue that labeling dissenting voices as "destabilizing" could lead to a chilling effect on free speech among international students.