Fact Check: "U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio demands Khalil's expulsion over foreign policy concerns."
What We Know
The claim that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio demands the expulsion of Mahmoud Khalil over foreign policy concerns is rooted in recent statements and actions taken by Rubio. During a press briefing on March 28, 2025, Rubio indicated that visas could be revoked if the holder's activities run counter to U.S. foreign policy interests, stating, "If we knew this information about them before we gave them a visa, would we have allowed them in? And if the answer is no, then we revoke the visa" (Secretary of State Marco Rubio Remarks to the Press).
The legal basis for this action is found in Section 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(4)(C)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows for deportation if the Secretary of State believes an individual's presence poses a threat to U.S. foreign policy (Rubio cites little-used foreign policy provision to deport students). This provision has been rarely invoked, with only 15 known cases since its introduction in the 1990s.
Khalil, along with other students, is reportedly facing deportation under this provision due to their participation in pro-Palestinian protests, which the administration claims could have adverse effects on U.S. foreign policy (Rubio cites little-used foreign policy provision to deport students).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim comes from Rubio's own statements and the legal framework he is using to justify the deportation of Khalil. His remarks suggest a proactive stance on revoking visas for individuals whose activities are deemed contrary to U.S. interests. However, the context of these statements is critical. Rubio's comments were made in response to questions about visa policies and were not explicitly framed as a demand for Khalil's expulsion but rather as a general policy statement regarding visa revocation (Secretary of State Marco Rubio Remarks to the Press).
The reliability of the sources is generally high, as they include official statements from the Secretary of State and analyses from reputable news organizations. However, the interpretation of these actions as a direct demand for Khalil's expulsion lacks explicit confirmation from Rubio himself. Instead, it reflects a broader policy approach that could lead to such actions.
Moreover, recent judicial rulings have indicated that the application of this provision may not hold up in court. For instance, a federal judge ruled that Rubio's determination alone is insufficient for Khalil's detention or deportation, suggesting that the legal basis for such actions is being challenged (Judge rules Mahmoud Khalil can't be deported or detained for foreign policy concerns).
Conclusion
The claim that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio demands Khalil's expulsion over foreign policy concerns is Partially True. While Rubio has indicated a willingness to revoke visas based on foreign policy implications, the specific demand for Khalil's expulsion is not explicitly stated in his remarks. Instead, it reflects a broader policy that could affect Khalil and others in similar situations. The legal challenges surrounding this policy further complicate the narrative, indicating that while the intention may exist, the execution is subject to judicial scrutiny.
Sources
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio Remarks to the Press
- Rubio cites little-used foreign policy provision to deport students
- Judge says Rubio 'likely' violated Constitution in ordering deportation
- Federal judge says he could release Mahmoud Khalil as soon as this week
- Judge rules Mahmoud Khalil can't be deported or detained for foreign policy concerns
- Judge: Marco Rubio's determination is not enough to detain Mahmoud Khalil
- Marco Rubio memo cites Mahmoud Khalil's beliefs in justifying his deportation
