A US visa may look like a golden ticket, but Washington is reminding the world that it comes with fine print and a firm eraser. In a pointed message delivered from Budapest, the US State Department underscored that entry into America is a privilege, not a promise, and can be revoked if visitors cross certain lines.
The department reportedly reiterated that visas are not a guaranteed right and can be withdrawn if foreign nationals act against America’s national interests. The message followed remarks by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during an official visit to Hungary.
In a video shared by the State Department, Rubio mentioned he had made the point repeatedly and wanted to make it clear once more.
He reportedly remarked he had said this many times and did not understand why it was difficult to comprehend that visa is not an entitlement. The top aide to President Donald Trump was speaking in Budapest during a bilateral visit that included a joint press event with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
Rubio explained that a visa is essentially permission to enter the US as a visitor. He added that a visa amounts to authorisation to enter the country in that capacity.
Additionally, he said if someone enters as a student, tourist, journalist or in any other role and then engages in activities that go against the national interest or national security of the US, authorities will revoke the visa. He reiterated strongly that if officials had known in advance about such activities, the visa likely would not have been issued in the first place.
The State Department’s warning comes amid a broader push by the US government to treat visas as conditional and subject to revocation under existing law.
According to reports, the department has emphasised that consular officers worldwide routinely deny visas for various reasons. That includes concerns about overstaying or criminal behaviour.
Rubio has previously conveyed similar views to lawmakers, maintaining that a visa is a privilege rather than a right and asserting that there is no constitutional entitlement to one. The hardline anti-immigrant stance remains firm.
Also Read: For Indians, The US Visa Wait Will Get Even Longer https://www.vibesofindia.com/for-indians-the-us-visa-wait-will-get-even-longer/
