Why are international students being detained in the US?
Apr 2, 2025
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Natalia Jimenez, a BBC reporter based in New York, dives into the alarming trend of international students facing visa revocations in the U.S., particularly those protesting against Israel at universities. She discusses the government's use of the Immigration and Nationality Act to classify these students as threats to national security. Key legal frameworks and the chilling effect on free speech are explored, highlighting the delicate balance between security and civil liberties, sparking essential questions about the future of activism on campuses.
The U.S. government's crackdown on international students involved in protests signals a troubling intersection of national security and political expression rights.
Legal experts warn that the detentions of students without clear evidence challenge First Amendment protections and could deter future peaceful demonstrations.
Deep dives
Overview of University Protests and Detentions
Protests on American university campuses have intensified in response to the conflict in Gaza, with many students participating in demonstrations advocating for Palestinian rights. However, these protests have led to the detention of several international students, including Mahmoud Khalil, a legal U.S. resident and a graduate student, who was arrested due to his involvement in protests at Columbia University. The U.S. government claims that these detentions relate to national security concerns, alleging that such students support Hamas, which they classify as a terrorist organization. This situation has sparked a heated debate about the legitimacy of these detentions, as many of those arrested have not been charged with any crimes or engaged in violent actions during protests.
Legal Ramifications and First Amendment Rights
Legal experts and civil liberty groups argue that the detentions of these students represent a violation of First Amendment rights, which protect peaceful protest and political speech in the United States. Despite the government's framing of the protests as anti-American, critics assert that involvement in peaceful demonstrations should not serve as a basis for deportation or the revocation of visas. Additionally, advocacy for due process is emphasized, as many students are being held in detention centers without clear evidence of wrongdoing. This legal landscape raises concerns about free speech rights on campuses and the implications for international students navigating these political tensions.
Political Context and Administration's Stance
The Trump administration's crackdown on pro-Palestinian demonstrations is framed within a broader conversation about national security and foreign policy. President Trump has characterized the protests as dangerous, describing them as hate marches and calling for the immediate deportation of foreign students involved. An executive order aimed at combating anti-Semitism on college campuses has been used to justify these actions, highlighting a shift in how political activism is viewed within academic settings. This has generated fear among international students, leading to concerns about their safety and the overall climate of free expression on university campuses across the U.S.
President Trump and his administration is cracking down on international students who have been active in protests against Israel on university campuses.
Last week, the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said at least 300 students had their student visas revoked.
Trump officials said the Immigration and Nationality Act allows the State Department to deport non-citizens who are "adversarial to the foreign policy and national security interests" of the US.
The arrests are a part of Trump's pledge to combat what the administration has classified as antisemitism on university campuses, which was written into an executive order in January.
Nathalie Jimenez, our reporter in the US, takes us through what we know about two of the most prominent cases.
And Jake Horton from BBC Verify, explains some of the key terms you need to know.
