Marco Rubio Defends US Crackdown on Foreign Students, Calls Visas a ‘Privilege, Not a Right’

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended a crackdown on foreign students involved in protests, stating visas are a privilege, not a right. The Trump administration has revoked student visas over alleged misconduct, sparking lawsuits and backlash. Rubio insists national security and respect for US laws justify these actions.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has firmly defended the Trump administration’s sweeping actions against foreign students involved in pro-Palestinian campus activism, stating that American visas are a privilege, not a right. In an opinion article for Fox News, Rubio emphasized that entry into the United States must be earned through continued compliance with US laws and values.

Rubio’s comments come as international students across multiple universities, including Harvard and Columbia, face visa revocations. The Trump administration has escalated enforcement, forming a multi-agency task force to investigate alleged antisemitic incidents on campuses, citing national security concerns.

“Visiting America is not an entitlement,” Rubio wrote. “It is a privilege extended to those who respect our laws and values.” He added that visa holders must maintain their eligibility daily, or risk deportation. Rubio also pointed to provisions under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) that bar entry or continued stay for individuals allegedly supporting or promoting terrorist organizations such as Hamas.

This crackdown has led to a wave of legal action. Dozens of international students have filed lawsuits against the Department of Homeland Security, arguing their visa cancellations lacked due process and clear justification. Many of these revocations, according to universities, are based on minor or outdated infractions.

In one notable case, a federal judge in New Hampshire issued a temporary restraining order to prevent the deportation of a Dartmouth student from China. Meanwhile, Columbia University’s Mahmoud Khalil remains detained over alleged protest activity, a case that has drawn widespread attention.

Also Read: Barack Obama Applauds Harvard’s Defiance of Trump-Era Crackdown on Campus Activism

Critics argue the administration is targeting students based on political expression, not actual threats. Rubio, however, maintains that protecting national security and American students must take precedence over foreign visitors’ stay.