US Secretary Rubio Vows Expanded Student Visa Revocations Amid Free Speech Clash

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio vowed to escalate the revocation of visas from foreign students involved in activities opposing US foreign policy, emphasizing that visas are privileges, not rights. Rubio defended targeting students he accused of disrupting higher education institutions through protests, including campus demonstrations and property damage. His stance sparked fierce criticism from Senator Chris Van Hollen, who accused Rubio of violating constitutional protections of free speech and due process, highlighting cases like that of Rümeysa Öztürk, a Turkish doctoral student detained despite no terrorism links or antisemitic statements. Van Hollen argued Rubio's actions amount to punishing free speech rather than addressing national security concerns. Rubio's approach has been described as reminiscent of historical political witch hunts, with critics demanding more decency and adherence to constitutional rights. Rubio, a former senator confirmed unanimously as Secretary of State, remains firm on continuing the visa cancellations to protect American campuses.