‘US visa not your entitlement’: Marco Rubio’s stern message to pro-Palestine activists
Secretary of State says US will have ‘zero-tolerance’ to foreign nationals abetting terrorist outfits and that they can’t use First Amendment to shield actions
In a strong word of caution, especially to pro-Palestine supporters, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has told US visa holders that visiting America is not their entitlement but a privilege extended to them by the US and that the Donald Trump government wouldn’t tolerate endorsement of any terrorist activity on American soil.
‘No endorsing, espousing terrorist activity’
“Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), aliens who endorse or espouse terrorist activity or persuade others to endorse or espouse terrorist activity or support a terrorist organisation – such as Hamas – are ineligible for US visas,” Rubio said in an opinion piece for Fox News.
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His warning comes against the backdrop of the Trump administration’s crackdown on pro-Palestine protesters on US university campuses.
Stating that the INA gives the administration broad authority to revoke a visa, Rubio said visa holders are thereby expected to respect US laws, behave appropriately according to their visa type and continue to meet these standards throughout their stay in the country.
Allegations of anti-Semitic activities
“US visa holders should know in no uncertain terms that the US government’s rigorous security vetting does not end once a visa is granted,” Rubio said adding that the government continuously tracks individuals even after they get a visa.
Rubio said in the wake of the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas on Israel, several foreign students in American campuses “engaged in anti-Semitic activities and intimidation of Americans, many of who happened to be of Jewish faith”.
Accusing these students of shutting down college campuses, harassing Jewish students, blocking highways and storming buildings, Rubio said the Trump administration is committed to taking necessary action to quell such activities at American universities.
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‘Visa holders can’t use First Amendment’
“As Secretary of State, I will continue exercising my authority to support President Trump’s zero-tolerance approach to foreign nationals who abet terrorist organizations or participate in activities that threaten our national security or compromise a compelling foreign policy interest,” he said.
Rubio also made it clear that as per a US Supreme Court order, “visa holders or other aliens cannot use the First Amendment to shield otherwise impermissible actions taken to support designated foreign terrorist organisations like Hamas, Hizballah, or the Houthis, or violate other US laws”.
“They will continue to face consequences – including visa denial, revocation, or deportation,” he said.
Strict visa rules
Rubio’s sternly worded opinion pieces comes amid the US government’s issuance of new visa rules. As per the rules, it is mandatory for all foreign nationals living in the US to carry their documents – passport, visa permit, and green card – at all times.
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“All non-citizens 18 and older must carry this documentation at all times. This administration has directed the DHS to prioritise enforcement, there will be no sanctuary for noncompliance,” a statement issued by the US Department of Homeland Security said.