Rubio confirms State Department can revoke pro-Hamas student visas: ‘They need to do it’

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio continued pressuring the U.S. Department of State to revoke the student visas of those who support Hamas, designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S.

“State Department confirms they have the power to revoke the visas of Hamas supporters and deport them,” Rubio said, pointing to a letter sent to him by the state department. “Now they need to do it.”

In the letter sent Wednesday, the department responded to Rubio’s previous letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken requesting they “perform a full review and coordination effort” to revoke such visas.

“The Department of State also has broad authority under the [Immigration and Nationality Act] to revoke visas,” they told Rubio. “We exercise that authority when there is information or evidence indicating a visa holder may be ineligible for a U.S. visa.”

The department added that the U.S. has continued to “continuously screen” visa applicants.

“The Department shares your frustration regarding Hamas’ brutal attack against the State of Israel and its citizens,” the letter said. “We remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of the United States.”

Rubio’s calls echo his repeatedly expressed sentiments since the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attacks against Israel.

“America is the most welcoming country in the world. During Fiscal Year 2022 alone, we issued more than six million nonimmigrant visas,” Rubio said in a previous letter to Blinken. “However, the privilege of entering and staying in our great country is not afforded to those who wish to do us harm or advocate on behalf of Hamas.”

“I urge you to immediately use existing law to eradicate this hate from our country,” he said.

“U.S. visa holders who support Hamas’ terrorism have no place here. It’s time to leave,” the senator also said in late October.

As federal leaders grapple with the surge in Hamas’ activity, a new Florida bill was filed tackling the issue at the state level.

Filed by Sen. Blaise Ingoglia, R-Spring Hill, and Rep. John Temple, R-Wildwood, the bills would revoke college scholarships from students who promote a terrorist organization on a Florida college or university campus.

It would also require postsecondary educational institutions report through the Student and Exchange Visitor Program of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security any information related to the status of a student on an F-1 student visa if that student promotes any foreign terrorist organization.

“The heinous terrorist attack on October 7 have pulled back the curtain and exposed the rampant antisemitism happening on the campuses of colleges and universities throughout this country,” Ingoglia said. “In Florida, we will not stand for Hamas apologists advocating for the genocide of the Israeli people.”

“Florida taxpayers should not be in the business of subsidizing the education of terrorist sympathizers who wish to do us, and others, harm,” he said.

“The rising disruptions, growing anti-semitic sentiments and hate speech across college and university campuses in this nation are a terrible tragedy,” Temple said. “Our learning institutions are meant for just that, learning— not a breeding ground for harassment and discrimination.”

“Florida’s commitment is to stand with Israel and not be complicit to foreign terrorist organizations making post-secondary institutions a place for activism,” he said.

Florida’s Voice documented pro-Hamas demonstrations that took place at Florida State University in October.