Secret Meetings, Deportations, and 9/11: The Shocking Truth About Student Visas

2025-07-19 12:00:44.565

A federal court trial revealed that the State Department held over a dozen meetings with the White House, including Stephen Miller, to discuss student visas. A senior State Department official, John Armstrong, testified about using broad definitions of antisemitism to scrutinize and potentially deport non-citizen students and professors. This included actions based on comments against the Israeli government, support for an arms embargo in Gaza, or calls to end US military aid to Israel. Armstrong stated that the stakes are high, likening potential mistakes to 9/11. The process involved referrals to Homeland Security, investigations, and visa revocations. Memos indicated that the removal orders might face legal challenges due to their connection to protected speech. The case of Rümeysa Öztürk, a Tufts University student detained and deported based on an op-ed, protest participation, and loose ties to a pro-Palestinian group, was highlighted. Judge William Young indicated that non-citizens likely have the same First Amendment rights as citizens regarding pure speech. Closing arguments are set to begin.