The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has made a strong statement supporting the administration’s stand on immigration and national security.

In an opinion piece published by Fox News, Rubio declared that “visiting America is not an entitlement”, framing US visas as a “privilege extended to those who respect our laws and values.” The article comes after heightened tensions across several US universities, where pro-Palestine student protests have drawn criticism from Republican leaders.

Rubio said that the US government's security vetting continues even after a visa is granted, warning international students that their conduct in the country must align with American laws and values. 

“Foreigners have shut down elite college campuses for American citizens,” Rubio wrote, accusing international students of “harassing Jewish students” because of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

In February, the Trump administration established a multi-agency task force to address antisemitism, focusing particularly on college campuses. The task force is expected to review activities and incidents at ten institutions, including Harvard University and Columbia University, where high-profile protests have taken place.

Rubio cited the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), which empowers the US government to revoke visas of individuals who support terrorist activity or groups like Hamas. 

“This authority is fundamental to safeguarding our national security, as well as protecting Americans and lawful visitors within our borders,” he said.

He pointed out that the administration is prepared to take strict actions, including visa revocations and deportations, against those who violate the terms of their stay or engage in activities deemed to threaten national security. 

“We expect – and the law requires – all visa holders to demonstrate their eligibility every day their visa is valid,” he concluded.

 

You might also be interested in - Trump waives off latest tariffs on these selected Chinese products