UT Austin Students Rally Against Visa Revocations Tied to Trump Immigration Policies

On Wednesday, students at the University of Texas at Austin staged a rally to protest the Trump administration's immigration policy changes, which have resulted in the loss of over 300 student visas. The demonstrators, gathered in front of the iconic UT Tower, chanted phrases like “No human is illegal” to express their outrage over what they perceive as unjust deportations. Reports indicated that two graduates from India and Lebanon were directly affected by these visa revocations, highlighting the personal impact of the policy. Coordinated by Austin Students for a Democratic Society, the protest aimed to raise awareness about the fears faced by the university's large international student population. Spokesperson Arshia Papari noted that many students feel frightened and vulnerable due to these sudden changes.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio's controversial statement that disruptive protesters would lose their student visas has further exacerbated these concerns, suggesting a chilling effect on free speech. Texas A&M University also reported similar issues, with 15 students losing their legal status due to various infractions. The rally reflects a broader national demand for clearer norms and due process for international students, emphasizing the importance of protecting their rights.