Trump administration revokes visas of over 300 foreign students in immigration crackdown – The Times of India

In a significant escalation of the Trump administration‘s immigration policies, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Thursday that at least 300 foreign students have had their visas revoked. The move is part of a broader crackdown targeting individuals the administration deems problematic, with Rubio hinting that the number could be even higher.
Speaking at a press conference in Guyana, Rubio addressed questions about a recent Axios report that first highlighted the revocation of 300 student visas. “Maybe more, it might be more than 300 at this point,” Rubio said, as quoted by The Hill. He emphasized the administration’s proactive stance, adding, “We do it every day. Every time I find one of these lunatics, I take away their visa.” Rubio expressed hope that the number would increase, stating, “I hope at some point we run out because we have gotten rid of all of them, but we’re looking every day for these lunatics that are tearing things up.”
The visa revocations appear to target foreign students perceived as disruptive, with Axios reporting that the administration is also considering barring certain colleges from admitting international students if they are seen as harboring too many “pro-Hamas” individuals. High-profile cases have emerged from prestigious institutions such as Columbia University, Tufts, and the University of Alabama, where pro-Palestinian students have faced scrutiny. The Hill has reached out to the State Department for further comment but has yet to receive a response.
The crackdown extends beyond students to include permanent legal residents. One notable case involves Mahmoud Khalil, a green card holder, who has also been targeted by the administration’s policies. This reflects a broader strategy to tighten immigration controls, a cornerstone of President Trump’s agenda.
Rubio’s remarks underscore the administration’s aggressive approach to visa enforcement, framing it as a necessary response to unrest. Critics, however, argue that the policy risks unfairly targeting individuals based on political expression or nationality, raising concerns about due process and academic freedom. Supporters, meanwhile, see it as a vital step to ensure national security and order on US campuses.
As the situation develops, the exact scope of the revocations remains fluid, with Rubio’s comments suggesting that the administration intends to maintain its hardline stance. For now, the fate of countless foreign students hangs in the balance as the Trump administration doubles down on its immigration priorities.