Secretary of State Marco Rubio is pushing back against critics objecting to his decision to revoke the visa of a foreign student who organized pro-Hamas protests at Columbia University. Rubio argues that visas are privileges, not rights, and that foreigners inciting unrest should be expelled.
Key Facts:
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the deportation of a foreign student who organized pro-Hamas rallies at Columbia University.
- Rubio emphasized that visas and green cards are privileges, not rights, and can be revoked if abused.
- Mahmoud Khalil, the student in question, is accused of aiding Hamas after the October 7 attack on Israel.
- Democrats and liberal media outlets have defended Khalil, claiming his actions are protected under free speech.
- Rubio maintains that those who incite chaos and break laws while on visas have no place in the U.S.
The Rest of The Story:
Rubio made clear in a press conference that the U.S. has the authority to deny or revoke visas for any reason.
“This is about [foreign] people that don’t have a right to be in the United States to begin with. No one has a right to a student visa. No one has a right to a green card, by the way,” Rubio said.
“So when you apply for a student visa or any visa to enter the United States, we have a right to deny you for virtually any reason,” he continued.
He stated that Khalil would not have been allowed entry if he had disclosed his intentions to support Hamas and incite unrest at a university.
This is what Mahmoud Khalil’s group did at Columbia.pic.twitter.com/2mX79jhTDn
— Marina Medvin 🇺🇸 (@MarinaMedvin) March 12, 2025
Democrats find themselves in a difficult position, with some leaders, like Sen.
I abhor many of the opinions and policies that Mahmoud Khalil holds and supports, and have made my criticism of the antisemitic actions at Columbia loudly known. Mr. Khalil is also legal permanent resident here, and his wife, who is 8-months pregnant, is an American citizen.… — Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) March 11, 2025 ” target=”_blank”> Chuck Schumer
Liberal media outlets have framed Khalil as an innocent student, downplaying his connections to Hamas.
Reporters questioned Rubio about whether revoking a visa for political activism contradicts conservative free speech principles.
Rubio rejected this argument, asserting that non-citizens do not have the same rights as American citizens and that those who violate laws or disrupt order should not be allowed to stay.
“If you told us that’s what you intended to do when you came to America, we would have never let you in. And if you and if you do it, once you get in, we’re going to revoke [the visa] and kick you out,” Rubio said.
Reporter: "Your revocation of the green card to many is seen as one of the most anti-speech actions a Secretary can take with his powers. How do you respond?"@MarcoRubio's response is fierce and factual ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/uVwJy30dVo
— Gabriel Noronha (@GLNoronha) March 12, 2025
Commentary:
Marco Rubio’s response highlights an important distinction: free speech is an American right, but it does not extend to foreign nationals who enter the country on a visa.
The notion that a visitor has the right to openly support a terrorist organization and incite unrest without consequences is absurd.
There is no constitutional obligation to host individuals who work against American values or security.
If a foreign national uses their time in the U.S. to promote violence, vandalism, or the intimidation of Jewish students, their departure should be swift and unquestioned.
The broader issue is the failure of many on the left to recognize the dangers of radical activism on campuses.
Universities have become breeding grounds for extremist rhetoric, often shielded by progressive policies that refuse to draw the line between protest and lawlessness.
Khalil’s defenders argue that his green card protects him, but a green card is not citizenship—it is a long-term visa that can be revoked if the holder violates the conditions of their stay.
No foreign national is entitled to permanent residency while engaging in acts that undermine the nation’s security.
America should welcome peaceful, law-abiding visitors.
But those who come here to stir division, support terrorist organizations, and disrupt institutions of higher learning should be shown the door.
The Bottom Line:
Rubio’s firm stance draws a clear line: America is not obligated to tolerate foreign nationals who use their time in the country to support Hamas and disrupt public order.
This is not a free speech issue—it is about enforcing immigration laws and protecting national security.
The U.S. should not grant visas to those who seek to sow chaos, and those who do should be swiftly removed.
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