The Trump administration has adopted a strict approach towards student visas as part of its immigration crackdown. Between 200 and 300 visas were canceled for terrorism-related reasons, although the groups to which the affected students belonged were not specified. This escalation comes amid widespread criticism of U.S. immigration policy. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that he canceled visas of hundreds, possibly thousands, of people due to their involvement in activities conflicting with U.S. foreign policy priorities, reflecting a tough stance on foreign students. Trump had clashed with several U.S. universities, accusing them of becoming strongholds of what he called ‘anti-Semitism.’ This conflict reflects rising tensions between the administration and the academic environment in the United States. In a related context, visitor visas for all Gaza residents were canceled following pressure from right-wing groups, highlighting the impact of domestic politics on immigration decisions.

Additionally, a Turkish student from Tufts University was detained in an immigrant detention center for participating in writing an opinion article criticizing her university’s stance on the Israeli war on Gaza, underscoring the risks foreign students face under these policies. The Trump administration continues to enforce its strict immigration policies, raising concerns among foreign students and universities about the future of higher education in the United States.