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Visa Revocations on the Rise: Rubio’s Unconventional Approach

Secretary of State Marco Rubio reveals he’s signed over 300 visa revocations to protect U.S. interests.

By Edward WongSource: nytimes.com1 min read
Visa Revocations on the Rise: Rubio’s Unconventional Approach
Image via nytimes.com

In brief

In a recent statement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged that he has revoked more than 300 visas, targeting students and visitors who pose a threat to U.S. national interests based on their actions or foreign policy views.

In a bold move since taking office, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has estimated that he has signed over 300 letters revoking visas of students and foreign visitors. These revocations, he claims, are directed towards individuals involved in activities deemed contrary to U.S. foreign policy or who have criminal backgrounds. Speaking during a tour of the Caribbean and South America, Rubio detailed the decision-making process that leads to visa cancellations. He assesses each case personally, prioritizing national interests above all. Rubio stated, “If this information was known before granting the visa, would we have allowed them in?” If the answer is a resounding no, he revokes their visa, even targeting permanent U.S. residents by stripping their green cards if necessary. Though he declined to specify how these cases are identified for review, it's clear that the push for visa revocations reflects a new approach in ensuring the safety and integrity of U.S. policies.

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