The Trump administration has been revoking student visas for foreign students who are vocal opponents of Israel’s strikes on Gaza. This policy has now spread to colleges and universities in the South, including Texas A&M University and Florida International University. Other institutions in the Sun Belt region, such as New Mexico State, the University of North Carolina, Middle Tennessee State, and Rice University, have also reported revocations.
The administration’s crackdown on foreign students critical of Israel has political implications, with some of the affected states being won by Trump in the 2024 election. Secretary of State Marco Rubio estimated that 300 scholars have had their visas revoked. The attention on this issue increased after a former Columbia University student who protested against Israel’s actions in Gaza was arrested by ICE agents for having his visa revoked.
The Trump administration justifies the deportations by accusing the individuals of supporting terrorist organizations. However, the legal teams of the affected individuals argue that there is no evidence to support these claims. Despite challenges in court, a judge ruled that one of the affected individuals could be deported.
The government’s targeting of foreign-born students based on their activism has raised concerns about free speech and due process. Universities have been checking the federal Student and Exchange Visitor Information System to identify students whose visas have been revoked. This policy has caused uncertainty and fear among international students in the United States.
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