State Department Revokes Six Visas Over Charlie Kirk Comments

Topline

The State Division introduced it had revoked the U.S. visas of six international nationals over feedback they made about conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination, persevering with the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown over social media feedback and public statements it has deemed as inflammatory or supporting violence.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio had threatened to revoke visas and deport international nationals who “rejoice the loss of life” of Charlie Kirk.

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Key Information

The state division introduced the revocations in a sequence of X posts, saying: “The USA has no obligation to host foreigners who want loss of life on People.”

The company famous that an Argentinian nationwide, a South African nationwide, a Mexican nationwide, a Brazilian nationwide, a German nationwide and a Paraguayan nationwide have had their visas revoked for his or her feedback about Kirk’s killing.

The State Division didn’t point out the people by title, however shared screenshots of the alleged offending posts, together with one from an Argentine nationwide who mentioned Kirk “devoted his total life spreading racist, xenophobic, misogynistic rhetoric.”

Different examples alleged a Mexican nationwide described Kirk as a “racist” and “misogynist,” whereas a German nationwide wrote, “when fascists die, democrats don’t complain.”

It’s unclear if the visa holders in query have been at the moment residing within the U.S.

Essential Quote

“POTUS and Secretary of State Marco Rubio will defend our borders, our tradition, and our residents by implementing our immigration legal guidelines,” the company added.

Chief Critic

In an announcement on X, the Basis for Particular person Rights and Expression—which has sued the Trump administration’s efforts to focus on visa holders attributable to speech alone—mentioned: “You may’t defend ‘our tradition’ by eroding the very cornerstone of what America stands for: freedom of speech and thought. The Trump Administration should cease punishing folks for his or her opinions alone. The Supreme Court docket has been clear that noncitizens have a proper to freedom of speech. In America, nobody ought to worry a midnight knock on the door due to their political opinions.”

What Has Rubio Mentioned About Visa Revocations?

In a post on X final month, Rubio wrote: “America is not going to host foreigners who rejoice the loss of life of our fellow residents. Visa revocations are underneath approach. In case you are right here on a visa and cheering on the general public assassination of a political determine, put together to be deported. You aren’t welcome on this nation.” The put up additionally included a clip of Rubio’s interview with Fox Information, the place he mentioned: “We’re not within the enterprise of inviting folks to go to our nation who’re concerned in damaging and damaging habits… If we invite somebody to the US of America, as a pupil, as a vacationer, as no matter…the usual they need to be held to could be very excessive.