The U.S. Embassy in Budapest recently posted a statement from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, reinforcing the administration’s firm stance on visa holders and national security. The message stated, “We don’t want people in our country that are going to be committing crimes and undermining our national security or the public safety.”
These warnings come as the Trump administration tightens restrictions on visa holders, particularly targeting international students, professors, and activists involved in protests related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The administration has actively revoked visas, detained individuals in immigration facilities, and denied entry to those it considers a security risk. Among the cases receiving significant attention is that of Mahmoud Khalil, a graduate student at Columbia University, who was impacted by these stricter policies.
During a routine press briefing, State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce justified the government’s position, calling the warnings “reasonable” and necessary for national security. She emphasized that visas are conditional privileges, not rights, stating, “Follow the law, behave yourselves, be a good visitor, and you’ll be fine. It’s a visa. It’s not an entitlement. A visa and a green card are not birthrights. These are privileges you’re granted … because of what you present to the United States.”
Bruce further stressed that it is a sovereign right of all nations to control their borders, adding, “Every sovereign nation in the world has an interest in controlling who comes in, knowing who’s coming into their country, and understanding their intentions.” She reiterated that the government’s goal is to maintain order and protect national security interests by ensuring that only those who abide by U.S. laws are allowed to stay.
While visa applicants have always undergone background checks, the tone and approach of this administration’s messaging reflect a significantly stricter stance on immigration. These statements serve as a warning to both current and prospective visa holders that violations of U.S. laws or perceived threats to public order could result in immediate consequences, including detention and deportation.
Additionally, the embassies’ posts align with the administration’s broader crackdown on illegal immigration. A notable example is a statement from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, featured in a post by the U.S. Embassy in Denmark, which bluntly stated, “If you’re considering traveling to the United States illegally, don’t even think about it.”
This growing social media campaign, led by U.S. embassies in various countries, underscores the administration’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws and maintaining national security. By issuing these warnings publicly, the U.S. government is sending a clear message that strict immigration policies are in place and will be firmly enforced.
