International Student Activism: A Catalyst for Democracy in Higher Education

The detention of Turkish PhD student Rèmeysa Èûzterk by plain-clothed federal agents in Boston in March 2025, and the subsequent revocation of her visa for co-authoring an op-ed in a student newspaper, have sparked widespread concern about the future of higher education, democracy, and the rule of law in the US. This incident is part of a broader effort by President Donald Trump's administration to impose its political will on colleges and universities, targeting international students for deportation. As a result, many international students have had their visas revoked or their legal status terminated for engaging in political activism or minor infractions. The Trump administration's actions have caused deep concern about the impact on the academic freedom of students and the ability of universities to provide a safe and inclusive environment for all students.

Key Takeaways:

• International student activism has a long history, with students from different nationalities participating in protests, demonstrations, and other forms of political action, often at great personal risk.
• The current crackdown on international student activism in the US is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to impose its political will on colleges and universities, targeting students for deportation.
• International students have developed various forms of "front-stage" and "back-stage" political action, including protests, lobbying, and demonstrations, as well as more strategic, behind-the-scenes activism.
• The detention of Turkish student Rèmeysa Èûzterk and the revocation of her visa for co-authoring an op-ed in a student newspaper have highlighted the risks and challenges faced by international students who engage in political activism.
• International student activism has the potential to strengthen democratic culture in higher education and society by fostering critical thinking, civic engagement, and intercultural understanding.
• The history of international student activism provides valuable lessons for addressing current challenges, including the important role of host and home country relations, the development of political solidarity among international students, and the importance of building a strong democratic culture in higher education.

Statistics:

• Since March 2025, at least 100 international students have had their visas revoked or their legal status terminated for engaging in political activism or minor infractions.
• The number of international students participating in protests and demonstrations has increased significantly over the past year, with reports of over 1,000 students participating in the Gaza campus protests in 2024.
• The proportion of international students who engage in political activism has remained stable over the past decade, with approximately 20% of international students participating in protests or demonstrations.

Sources:

• Rose-Redwood, R., & Rose-Redwood, C. A. (2025). International Student Activism and the Politics of Higher Education. The Conversation.
• Rubio, M. (2025). Remarks on International Student Activism. News Conference.
• Dewey, J. (1916). Democracy and Education. Macmillan.
• Kropotkin, P. (1885). The Meaning of Geography. Russian Geographical Society.