United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has stressed that no individual possesses an automatic entitlement to a visa. He also warned that his administration will revoke visas of those engaging in activities against national interests.
"I've stated this many times. I don't understand why it's so difficult to grasp. No one is entitled to a visa," Rubio proclaimed, emphasizing that a visa is a privilege rather than a guarantee.
The leading diplomat of the U.S. underscored that there is no constitutional right to secure a visa. "A visa is a permit to enter our country as a visitor," he explained, referencing students, tourists, journalists, and other temporary immigration categories.
Rubio further cautioned that if someone enters the United States and participates in actions detrimental to national interest or security, the government will withdraw their visa. "If they come as visitors and engage in activities against the national interest and security of the United States, we will revoke their visa," he asserted.
He also noted that if there were prior knowledge of such intentions, the visa would not have been issued. "In fact, if we knew they were going to do it, we probably wouldn't have granted them the visa," he added.
These remarks arise amid a tightening of immigration policies and increased scrutiny on foreign visitors, aligning with President Donald Trump’s administration's stance of prioritizing national security in the issuance and revocation of visas.
Understanding Visa Policies in the United States
What did Marco Rubio say about visa entitlements?
Marco Rubio stated that no one has an automatic entitlement to a visa, emphasizing that it is a privilege, not a right.
What is the U.S. stance on visa revocation?
The U.S. government will revoke visas if individuals engage in activities against national interests or security.
How does the current U.S. administration view national security in relation to visas?
The administration prioritizes national security in the process of issuing and revoking visas, aligning with a policy of stricter immigration control.