The Trump administration has revoked more than 100,000 visas since the president took office, marking what officials describe as a dramatic increase from the previous year. The measure is part of an aggressive immigration crackdown aimed at curbing illegal migration while restricting lawful entry.
Tommy Pigott, a State Department spokesperson, said: “The Trump administration has no higher priority than protecting American citizens and upholding American sovereignty. In less than one year, the State Department revoked over 100,000 visas from foreign nationals, marking a new record and more than a 150% increase in revocations since 2024.” He added that many of the rescinded visas had been issued to foreign criminals, including those charged with assault, theft, and driving under the influence.
The State Department’s Continuous Vetting Center, launched recently, is meant to ensure foreign nationals comply with US laws, with visas swiftly revoked for those deemed a threat. In a post on X, the department said 8,000 student visas had been withdrawn, along with 2,500 specialized visas for individuals with law enforcement encounters. The post described deportees as “thugs” and included a photo of President Trump dancing.
The revocations follow an executive order issued by Trump on January 20, directing federal agencies to enhance vetting procedures. Since then, visas have been cancelled for reasons including statements about Israel and conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the policies in March, telling CBS News: “When you apply to enter the United States and you get a visa, you are a guest. If you tell us when you apply for a visa, ‘I’m coming to the U.S. to participate in pro-Hamas events,’ that runs counter to the foreign policy interest of the United States.”
In August, the State Department announced it was vetting more than 55 million visa holders. While the federal government has legal authority to cancel visas, the crackdown has reportedly targeted minor infractions that previously would not have led to revocation. The announcement drew mixed reactions online, with Senator Tom Cotton praising deportations, while others criticised the impact on students and the labour force.
