Washington, D.C. – The US government has revoked the visa of a Turkish student, Rumeysa Ozturk, for allegedly violating the terms of her student visa. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the decision on Friday, emphasizing that international students must follow visa rules.
US Government’s Statement
During a press conference with Guyanese President Irfaan Ali, Rubio stated, “If we’ve given you a visa and then you decide to do that, we’re going to take it away.” He explained that student visas are for education, not for engaging in activism that disrupts universities.
The visa revocation has sparked discussions about student rights and the limits of political expression for international students in the US.
Detention of Rumeysa Ozturk
Rumeysa Ozturk, a 27-year-old doctoral student at Tufts University, was detained by federal agents outside her off-campus apartment in Somerville, Massachusetts, on Tuesday night.
Her lawyer, Mahsa Khanbabai, said Ozturk was on her way to break her Ramadan fast when she was taken into custody. She also raised concerns about not being able to contact her client and noted that no official charges had been filed against her.
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claimed that Ozturk had engaged in activities supporting Hamas, which led to the visa cancellation. Ozturk, however, has denied any wrongdoing and has filed a court petition challenging her detention.
University and Legal Response
The case has drawn attention at Tufts University. President Sunil Kumar stated that the university was not informed in advance about the detention and did not assist authorities in the process.
Ozturk had been active in student activism and co-wrote an article in March criticizing Tufts University’s response to issues related to Palestine. Her involvement in campus activism has raised questions about whether her visa cancellation was related to her political views.
Court Ruling and Uncertainty
Following Ozturk’s detention, US District Judge Indira Talwani in Massachusetts ordered that she should not be removed from the state without notifying the court first. However, it remains unclear whether the government has followed this order.
Ozturk’s case is part of a growing trend where international students, including Indian students, have come under scrutiny by US immigration authorities. Many fear that stricter enforcement of visa rules could impact students’ freedom of expression on American campuses.
The situation is ongoing, and Ozturk’s legal team is working to challenge her detention and visa revocation in court.
Watch also @ https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DpJobsYdTwdg&ved=2ahUKEwjRl8DuqK-MAxVncfUHHe6xEecQwqsBegQIERAG&usg=AOvVaw3zBQKJEta9sB7FEcKpftYv
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