US State Secretary Marco Rubio has reiterated a radical stance on the US visa policy, said that the visa was a privilege reserved for those who respected American laws and values, not all applicants were empowered.
In an editorial for Fox NewsRubio underlined the unrelated approach of Donald Trump administration for visa eligibility and national security, especially in view of recent campus unrest and global terrorism concerns.
Since coming to power in January, President Trump has deported some foreign students, canceled several visas and warned universities to cut federal funding on anti -Palestinian protests.
The US visa is a privilege, rather than an right, reserved for those who improve the United States, do not try to destroy it from inside. , @Secrubio In his Fox News Editorial
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– State Department (@StatedepT) April 12, 2025
“Touring America is not an eligibility. It is an extended pregnancy to those who respect our laws and values. And, as the secretary of the state, I will never forget it,” Rubio wrote.
Rubio, who represented Florida in the US Senate from 2011 to 2025 before assuming his current role, stated that under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), “Aliens”, which promote or support terrorism – including supporting terrorist organizations such as Hamas – are inept for US VASAS.
“INA gives us wide rights to cancel the visa. This right is fundamental to protect Americans and legitimate visitors within our boundaries along with the protection of our national security,” he said.
Rubio defended the rapid investigation of the administration of visa holders, given that the security veating is an ongoing process even after the visa was released. He wrote, “The US visa holders should know without any uncertain words that the rigorous security of the US government does not end after the visa is given,” he wrote.
The state secretary said that the government, in collaboration with law enforcement and intelligence agencies, monitors visa holders to identify any possible threats or violations. “For example, the visa can be canceled if the visa holders are engaged in violent crime or drunk driving, support terrorism, reduce the time allowed for their travel, do illegal work – or something that violates the conditions that we have given them this or compromised on the safety of our fellow Americans,” they said.
Marco Rubio pointed to recent incidents after October 7, 2023, as a case study for increasing terrorist attack against Israel. “Some of these foreign students were engaged in some of the visitors and threatening the Americans, many who were in the form of Jewish belief,” he wrote. “These foreigners shut down college complexes for American citizens, harassing Jewish students, blocking highways, and buildings buildings.”
He said that the administration will not tolerate such activities. “Trump administration is committed to taking necessary steps to prevent these activities in American universities,” Rubio said.
He also highlighted the legal example for the government’s position. “The Supreme Court has made it clear for decades that visa holders or other aliens cannot use the first amendment, otherwise Hamas, Hizballah, or Hauthis, or other American laws violating foreign terrorist organizations to support impermeable functions.”
On a zero-sensitivity approach, Rubio said, “When I am a secretary, we will never hesitate to work decisively-and in close coordination with our American government partners-when information indicates that a visa holder can compromise on our safety, then the US law can violate the law, or the visa is the recision of the other.”
He concluded with the message, “The US visa is a privilege, rather than an right, reserved to those who improve the United States, do not try to destroy it from inside.”