Rubio Defends Visa Revocation of Pro-Hamas Student Amid CBS Clash

In a recent interview on CBS's Face the Nation, Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the revocation of Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil's visa, citing his alleged involvement in activities aligned with Hamas. Rubio emphasized that foreign nationals must be truthful about their intentions when applying for visas, asserting that participation in pro-Hamas events contradicts U.S. foreign policy. When pressed by host Margaret Brennan for evidence linking Khalil to terrorism, Rubio retorted that such discussions are irrelevant as the student had misrepresented his intentions. He stated that the government is actively approving more visa revocations in similar cases, framing it as a matter of national interest. Brennan continued to challenge him on the specifics of the justification for Khalil's visa revocation, highlighting the complexity of distinguishing between controversial political opinions and support for terrorism. This exchange encapsulates the ongoing debate surrounding free speech and national security in the context of immigration policy.