The United States government has revoked more than 100,000 visas, including thousands issued to international students and skilled professionals, since President Donald Trump returned to office last year.
The U.S. State Department disclosed the development in a statement shared on X on Monday, stating that the revocations were part of a broader immigration crackdown aimed at public safety.
“The State Department has now revoked over 100,000 visas, including some 8,000 student visas and 2,500 specialised visas for individuals who had encounters with U.S. law enforcement for criminal activity,” the department said.
Officials explained that the action was taken to strengthen immigration enforcement, adding, “We will continue to deport these thugs to keep America safe.”
According to the department, the scale of the revocations reflects the aggressive immigration policy pursued by the Trump administration since his return to the White House. The administration recently claimed it has overseen more than 2.5 million voluntary departures and deportations, describing the figure as a “record-breaking achievement.”
However, the move has sparked concerns, as some of those deported reportedly held valid visas, raising questions about due process and human rights.
The State Department also confirmed that visa approval rules have become stricter, with expanded background checks, tighter screening procedures, and increased scrutiny of applicants’ social media activity.
Deputy State Department spokesperson, Tommy Pigott, revealed that the four leading reasons for visa revocations were overstays, driving under the influence, assault, and theft. He added that the current figures represent a 150 percent increase compared to 2024.
Pigott further disclosed that the department has launched a Continuous Vetting Center designed to ensure that “all foreign nationals on American soil comply with our laws – and that the visas of those who pose a threat to American citizens are swiftly revoked.”
He noted that the initiative is part of a wider effort to limit entry into the United States. As part of the policy shift, U.S. diplomats have been instructed to closely monitor visa applicants considered hostile to American interests or those with records of political activism.
In November, the State Department had earlier announced that about 80,000 non-immigrant visas were revoked following Trump’s inauguration, with offences ranging from assault and theft to driving under the influence.
