U.S. revokes Record Number of Student visas Amid Pro-Palestinian Protest Crackdown
WASHINGTON D.C. – The united States has revoked a record 80,000 visas held by foreign nationals in 2024,a surge attributed to the Biden governance’s response to pro-palestinian demonstrations on college campuses. The move signals a significant escalation in the government’s efforts to curb activism it deems supportive of terrorism, impacting international students and raising concerns about academic freedom.
The visa revocations, more than double the number canceled in all of 2023, are based on allegations of potential ineligibility, including “signs of a possible irregular stay, criminal activity, a threat to public safety, participation in any form of terrorist activity or providing support to a terrorist institution,” according to a State Department official who spoke with The PIE News. The administration has specifically targeted students participating in demonstrations against Israel and the war in Gaza, viewing pro-Palestinian advocacy as perhaps linked to terrorist groups and a threat to national stability. This action follows threats, and subsequent reductions, to federal funding for universities hosting such protests, including Harvard.
The crackdown began as President Biden raised concerns about high-level educational institutions where students have demonstrated against Israel. The administration has justified the visa revocations as a necessary measure to protect national security, while critics argue it infringes upon free speech and due process rights. Marco rubio, Secretary of state, has been a vocal proponent of a firm stance against perceived anti-Israel sentiment on campuses.
“The State Department revokes a visa whenever there are indications of possible ineligibility,” the state Department official explained.