Trump revokes hundreds of student visas, forcing many to exit US

President Donald Trump

The Trump administration has revoked the visas of hundreds of international students, forcing them to leave the US within days. This move has sparked widespread criticism and protests across the country.

The reasons for visa revocation vary, but some appear linked to minor issues such as traffic violations or roommate disputes. Others may be tied to participation in pro-Palestinian protests, which Secretary of State Marco Rubio has publicly criticized, labeling students as "lunatics." Rubio claimed responsibility for revoking at least 300 visas, stating, "Every time I find one of these lunatics, I take away their visas."

Several universities have reported cases, including Colorado State University, which confirmed six student visa revocations, and the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, where five students were affected. The University of Arizona and Tufts University have also seen protests and visa revocations, with Turkish student Rumeysa Öztürk being detained despite holding a valid visa.

Universities are offering support to affected students. Colorado State University is working with students to connect with legal resources, while the University of Massachusetts-Amherst's Chancellor Javier Reyes pledged "unwavering support." The American Council on Education has urged federal officials to provide clarity and protections for international students.

Immigration experts and academics have expressed concerns about the visa revocations. Len Saunders, an immigration attorney, stated, "I've been doing this for 25 years, and I've never seen 300 students lose their visas. It's all political." Professor Robert Cohen of NYU criticized the crackdown, saying, "This speaks to the issue that Donald Trump and these right-wing people don't actually believe in free speech."