US State Department revokes 300 visas amid protest crackdown
The US Department of State has revoked over 300 student visas as part of measures against foreign students involved in protests. NBC News reports on the increasing number of such incidents.
The head of US diplomacy, Marco Rubio, announced that the Department of State has revoked over 300 student visas. According to NBC News, these actions target foreign-born students participating in protests against US foreign policy. Rubio emphasised that the US administration is actively identifying individuals it considers a threat.
— Maybe more than 300 at this point. We do it every day, every time I find one of these lunatics, — said Rubio.
In some cases, students were detained by masked immigration agents and taken to detention centres without prior warning. NBC News reports that many of the detainees were linked to the pro-Palestinian movement, which has gained popularity on American campuses.
Controversies surrounding the administration's actions
The administration does not disclose the reasons for selecting students, but at least one person sought by Immigration and Customs Enforcement was on lists compiled by far-right pro-Israel groups. Allies of former President Donald Trump had previously announced that they would seek to deport students supporting organisations deemed terrorist by the USA.
Experts warn that such actions may undermine the fundamental American right to freedom of speech and assembly. Ben Wizner of the American Civil Liberties Union assessed that sending a message to students worldwide that they are not welcome at American universities is troubling.
NBC News emphasises that these actions are part of broader efforts by the Trump administration to restrict the rights of legal residents and visa holders. These actions are controversial and widely discussed in the media.
