Rubio warns visas will be revoked for all foreign student ‘activists’ amid Tufts arrest

Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday defended the U.S. government’s decision to revoke the visa of Tufts University student Rumeysa Ozturk, emphasizing that Washington will not tolerate foreign nationals causing disturbances on American campuses.

Speaking at a press event in Guyana, Rubio asserted that visa holders are expected to focus on their studies, not activism. “We granted you a visa to study and earn a degree, not to engage in social activism,” he stated. “I don’t care what movement you support—why should any country allow visitors to come in and create disruptions?”

Ozturk, a Turkish national, had authored a March 2024 op-ed criticizing Tufts University's ties to Israel in the wake of the Gaza conflict. While her article did not express support for Hamas, it called for the university to divest from Israeli-linked companies and accused Israel of committing "Palestinian genocide."

Rubio equated her activism with the actions of those who “vandalize universities, harass students, take over buildings, and create chaos.” The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) determined that Ozturk had engaged in activities supporting Hamas, though it has not disclosed specific evidence to the public.

Reaffirming the administration’s stance, Rubio stressed that the U.S. has full authority to decide who may enter and remain in the country. “Every nation has the right to regulate its borders,” he said. “I encourage all countries to do the same. Inviting students who come in and destabilize campuses is simply unacceptable.”

Rubio confirmed that once a visa is revoked, the individual is deemed unlawfully present and must leave the country. “We’re revoking visas every day. Whenever we identify one of these agitators, we take action,” he said, adding that the administration has revoked approximately 300 visas so far. “At some point, I hope we run out of people to remove—but we are actively searching for them.”

The secretary also emphasized that Washington’s visa crackdown extends beyond student activists to include gang members. He cited efforts to deport affiliates of MS-13 and Tren de Aragua, noting that some were initially held at Guantánamo Bay before being transferred to Venezuela and El Salvador.

Rubio’s remarks reinforced the administration’s strict approach to immigration and national security, making it clear that individuals deemed a threat to public order—whether student activists or criminal gang members—will face swift removal from the U.S.

This article was reported by journalist Jimmy.