Turkish Student Freed After Visa Revocation Sparks Outrage

Turkish PhD Student Released After Immigration Detention A Turkish PhD student, Rumeysa Ozturk, was released from immigration detention in Louisiana on May 11, 2025, after six weeks of confinement. Her release followed the revocation of her student visa by the Trump administration, a decision linked to an article she co-authored criticizing Tufts University's connections to Israel. The incident sparked widespread protests and calls for her release, highlighting concerns about academic freedom and immigration policies. "Thank you so much for being here, especially regular folks," Ozturk said in a video released by Al Jazeera, visibly emotional as she addressed her supporters outside the detention center. "I really appreciate you being here." Her words underscore the profound impact of public support on her case. The incident raises questions about the limits of free speech and the potential consequences for academics who criticize certain political viewpoints. Ozturk's case has become a symbol of the challenges faced by international students in the United States, particularly those from countries with strained relations with the US. Her release marks a victory for those who championed her cause, but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing debates surrounding immigration and academic freedom.