Rubio Confirms Thousands of Visas Revoked Under Trump Administration

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed that the Trump administration has revoked thousands of visas as part of a stringent immigration enforcement effort, with more revocations expected. These cancellations have targeted both student and visitor visas, particularly focusing on foreign-born students expressing pro-Palestinian views or criticizing Israel's actions in Gaza, leading to accusations of suppressing free speech and civil liberties. High-profile cases include the detention of Turkish student Rumeysa Ozturk, who was held for over six weeks before a federal judge ordered her release. Rubio defended the visa cancellations as necessary to uphold lawful behavior and protect higher education institutions from disruption, asserting that visas are privileges, not rights. Critics, including Democratic senators, argue these actions violate constitutional protections and due process, likening the crackdown to a political witch hunt. The debate underscores ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement policies and concerns about free speech within the context of U.S. foreign policy.