Rubio says any foreign student found causing a ‘ruckus’ will have visa stripped

Secretary of State Marco Rubio made a strong statement on Thursday regarding the recent visa removal of Tufts University student Rumeysa Ozturk. He emphasized that anyone causing disruption or engaging in activities that destabilize the country will have their visa revoked.

Speaking at a press event in Guyana, Rubio expressed his firm stance on the issue. “I don’t care what movement you’re involved in,” he told reporters. “Why would any country in the world allow people to come and disrupt? We gave you a visa to come and study and get a degree, not to become a social activist.”

Rubio’s comments came after Ozturk wrote an op-ed in March 2024 criticizing Tufts University’s ties to Israel during the conflict in Gaza. While her op-ed did not mention support for Hamas, the Department of Homeland Security claimed that she had engaged in activities in support of the terrorist organization. However, the evidence behind this determination has not been publicly released.

The Secretary of State reiterated that every country has the right to control who enters as a visitor. “We’ll revoke your visa, and once your visa is revoked, you’re illegally in the country and you have to leave,” Rubio stated. He revealed that the U.S. has already revoked around 300 visas of individuals causing disturbances.

Rubio emphasized that the visa revocation policy applies not only to students like Ozturk but also to gang members. He highlighted the administration’s efforts to expel MS-13 and Tren de Aragua gang members, who were initially held in Guantánamo Bay before being transferred to Venezuela and El Salvador.

In conclusion, Rubio’s firm stance on visa removal for individuals causing disruptions aligns with the government’s commitment to maintaining order and stability. The Secretary of State’s actions aim to protect the country from potential threats and ensure the safety of its citizens.