United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio has declared that US visas are a privilege, not a right, in a renewed push for stricter immigration enforcement under former President Donald Trump's anticipated return to office.

Speaking to Fox News, Rubio reaffirmed the Trump administration’s hardline stance on immigration, saying that entry into the United States is reserved for those who "respect American laws and values" and contribute positively to the country.

His remarks come against the backdrop of a national clampdown on pro-Palestinian protests—particularly on college campuses—where foreign students have been subject to increased scrutiny following their participation in demonstrations after the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel.

"US visas are a privilege, rather than a right, reserved for those who make the United States better—not seek to destroy it from the inside," Rubio said, citing concerns over what he termed as "disruptive" and "antisemitic" behaviour by some international students.

He further warned that visa holders must continuously meet eligibility criteria, and that the State Department, in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security and other security agencies, actively reviews and revokes visas in cases of violations.

"The Immigration and Nationality Act gives us broad authority to revoke a visa. This authority is fundamental to safeguarding our national security," Rubio said, referencing long-standing US laws which prohibit individuals who “endorse or espouse” terrorist activity from entering the country.

While Rubio did not name specific students or campuses, he pointed to last year's wave of student-led protests on university grounds, during which demonstrators blocked highways, staged sit-ins, and demanded institutional divestment from companies linked to Israel.

“These foreigners shut down college campuses for American citizens, harassed Jewish students, blocked highways, and stormed buildings,” he stated, vowing that the Trump administration would “take decisive steps” to curb such actions in the future.

The United States currently hosts over 1.1 million international students, many of whom are enrolled in top-tier universities across the country. In recent months, several institutions have faced mounting pressure from lawmakers and donors over their handling of pro-Palestinian activism on campus.

Rubio also addressed the question of constitutional protections, clarifying that foreign nationals do not enjoy the same rights as US citizens when it comes to visa violations. “The Supreme Court has made clear for decades that visa holders or other aliens cannot use the First Amendment to shield otherwise impermissible actions taken to support designated foreign terrorist organisations,” he said.

The comments are likely to stir concern among student and immigrant advocacy groups, who have warned that equating political activism with security threats risks undermining academic freedom and civil liberties.