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Visa Revocations for Foreign Students Protesting Gaza War Expand Across Southern US
The Trump administration’s policy of revoking student visas for international students who have voiced opposition to Israel’s military actions in Gaza has extended its reach into the Southern United States. Campuses across the Sun Belt region are now reporting instances of international scholars having their student status rescinded, marking a significant expansion of the controversial measure.
Southern Universities Report Visa Revocations
Both public and private institutions of higher education in the Sun Belt have confirmed that some of their international students have experienced visa revocations. Texas A&M University and Florida International University have reported notably higher figures in this regard.
- Texas A&M University: 23 student visas revoked.
- Florida International University: 18 student visas revoked.
- New Mexico State University: 9 student visas revoked.
- University of North Carolina: 6 student visas revoked.
- Middle Tennessee State University: 6 student visas revoked.
- Rice University (Houston): 3 student visas revoked.
The University of Texas at Austin has acknowledged “multiple” foreign students have had their visas rescinded, according to local news reports.
Policy Shifts Focus Beyond Northeast
These continued visa revocations, initiated by the administration of President Donald Trump, demonstrate a widening scope beyond initial targets in New York City, the Ivy League, and New England universities. The policy now impacts states such as Texas, Florida, and North Carolina, all of which supported Trump in the 2024 election. The broader political ramifications of this policy remain to be seen.
Spotlight on Khalil Case
The visa revocation policy gained national attention following the case of a former Columbia University postgraduate. This individual, a prominent figure in 2024 student demonstrations against Israeli actions in Gaza, was arrested outside his residence by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on March 8. ICE cited the revocation of his student visa as justification for the arrest, according to his wife, Noor Abdalla.
Amy Greer, a lawyer representing the student, stated that Abdalla informed ICE agents that her husband, Khalil, possessed a green card and was a permanent resident. Despite this, agents proceeded with the arrest, and according to his legal team, have not yet presented a formal arrest warrant. A judge subsequently ruled in favor of the Trump administration’s authority to deport Khalil.
Protests Erupt Over Deportation
Khalil’s arrest and ongoing detention in a Louisiana federal facility have ignited widespread protest. Critics argue that his treatment represents a denial of due process and an attempt by the Trump administration to suppress dissenting voices and freedom of speech.
Administration Cites Terror Concerns
The Trump administration has maintained a firm stance against campus protests critical of Israel. This stance is framed within the context of Israel’s conflict with Hamas militants, which began after the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel that resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 250 hostages, based on Israeli figures. The subsequent military actions have largely been concentrated in Gaza, resulting in a high number of civilian casualties and displacement, with Palestinian health officials estimating over 50,500 fatalities.
The Trump administration asserts its right to deport Khalil, alleging he “led activities aligned to Hamas,” which is designated as a terrorist organization. Khalil’s legal representatives, however, contend that there is no evidence linking him to any form of support for terrorist groups.
Legal Justification and Ongoing Challenges
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has publicly supported Khalil’s deportation, referencing a provision within the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952. This provision grants the Secretary of State unilateral authority to determine the admissibility of immigrants. An immigration judge in Louisiana cited Rubio’s statement as sufficient justification to order Khalil’s deportation, granting him until April 23 to seek legal remedies. Concurrently, Khalil is contesting the legality of his arrest in federal court in New Jersey.
While the government’s rationale for Khalil’s deportation has broadened to include previously unmentioned claims, such as alleged omissions on his residency application, the White House has increasingly focused on foreign-born students whose primary offense appears to be political activism.
“Every time I find one of these lunatics, I take away their visas,” President Trump stated last month in Guyana.
Universities Discover Visa Revocations Via Federal System
University officials have indicated that they often become aware of student visa revocations through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). This federal system can flag changes in a student’s legal status.
Texas A&M spokesperson Megan Bennett clarified the process via email: “A SEVIS record termination essentially terminates the individual’s legal status in the country.”