US media reports revealed that more than 100 universities and colleges in the United States reported cases of international student visa revocations by the US State Department, which changed the legal status of more than 600 international students and recent graduates, according to Inside Higher Ed.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) said the escalation "represents an unacceptable ideological test," adding, "No president has the right to determine who stays or is deported based on their political views."

According to the affected universities, a number of students were surprised to find their visas revoked without prior notice. Some discovered the revocation through a federal database, or through unexpected text messages or emails. The students' attorneys also noted that most were not given any opportunity to respond or appeal, and the universities were not officially notified of the reasons.

Human rights organizations linked these measures to pro-Palestinian positions, noting that the previous Trump administration, which continues some of its policies under the current administration, selectively addresses freedom of expression when it relates to the Palestinian issue.

"What is happening is a replacement of free debate with fear, and silencing voices appears to be the real goal," said FIRE, a free speech advocacy organization.

Recently, the Department of Homeland Security announced that it would monitor immigrants' social media accounts for what it described as "anti-Semitic content."

"We will not allow anyone to hide behind the First Amendment to spread hatred or promote violence. You are not welcome here," said State Department official Tricia McLoughlin.

In controversial statements, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that more than 300 visas had been revoked, claiming that those targeted had engaged in activities "contrary to national interests," such as publishing opinion pieces criticizing Israeli crimes in Gaza or joining student protests calling for a boycott of Israel.

"Whenever I discover one of these extremists, I immediately revoke their visa," Rubio said, adding that the student visa is only for education, not for political activities.

Authorities have encouraged students to leave the country voluntarily rather than face deportation through immigration courts, a process that could lead to detention. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem issued a direct threat last March, saying, "If they don't leave, we will find them, deport them, and never allow them to return."

The ministry also intends to impose a daily fine of $998 on those who ignore deportation orders, adding significant financial burdens to students.

A US immigration court in Louisiana ruled on Friday that Columbia University activist Mahmoud Khalil could be deported due to his peaceful political activities and beliefs. The judge gave Khalil's lawyer until April 23 to file a motion to halt his deportation.

The government submitted a memorandum signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating that Khalil could be deported from the United States due to his activities. Trump administration officials have not charged Khalil with any criminal conduct, and he is a lawful permanent resident.

At the end of the session, Khalil asked to make an official statement, so he stood up and headed directly to the court.

"I would like to reiterate what I said last time, that nothing is more important to this court than due process rights and basic fairness. Clearly, what we witnessed today did not meet either of those principles, whether in this hearing or throughout this process," he said.

He added, "This is exactly why the Trump administration sent me to this court, a thousand miles away from my family. All I hope is that the same wheel you thought should be mine will be given to 'others' who have spent months here without their cases being heard."

In a statement, CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad said, “The dangerous and unconstitutional ruling by a Louisiana immigration judge allowing the deportation of a lawful permanent resident because the current administration wants to punish him for exercising his First Amendment right to criticize the Israeli government’s genocide of Palestinians in Gaza must not be implemented.”

He continued: "Although the ruling is just the first step in a long legal process, it should be disturbing to all Americans who cherish their Bill of Rights rights and fundamental freedoms such as freedom of expression."

He added, "We are confident that the federal courts will find the Trump administration's unlawful attack on free speech, and that the movement against the Israeli government's genocide will continue to expand in our country, despite these attempts to suppress free speech."

In light of these developments, the American Council on Education (ACE), along with 15 other academic organizations, issued an urgent request for a meeting with the Departments of State and Homeland Security to discuss the implications of these decisions for international students.

"These measures have created uncertainty and anxiety, and have negatively impacted our institutions' ability to provide the necessary support to students," said Council President Ted Mitchell.

For their part, observers believe that these policies are being used as a tool to suppress voices critical of Israeli policies, particularly within American universities.