The Trump administration has announced the revocation of more than 100,000 visas in the past year, marking a significant escalation in its immigration enforcement policies. The State Department revealed the figures on Monday, 12 January 2026, stating the action forms part of a broader effort to protect American citizens and sovereignty.
Unprecedented Scale of Visa Cancellations
The State Department confirmed it revoked over 100,000 visas from foreign nationals in less than a year, a figure it claims represents a new record and a more than 150% increase compared to 2024. Tommy Pigott, a spokesperson for the department, framed the move as a core priority of the administration.
"The Trump administration has no higher priority than protecting American citizens and upholding American sovereignty," Pigott stated. He asserted that thousands of the rescinded visas belonged to individuals charged or convicted of crimes, including assault, theft, and driving under the influence.
Targets and Justifications of the Policy
The crackdown has extended across various visa categories. In a post on X, the State Department, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, disclosed that 8,000 student visas and 2,500 specialised visas had been withdrawn from individuals who had encounters with law enforcement. The department's message was accompanied by a photo of former President Trump dancing and a pledge: "We will continue to deport these thugs to keep America safe."
This surge in enforcement follows an executive order signed by Trump on 20 January, which directed federal agencies to enhance vetting procedures for those seeking entry into the United States. Secretary Rubio has previously defended the restrictive measures, telling CBS News in March that visa holders are "guests" and that expressing intent to participate in activities contrary to US foreign policy interests—such as "pro-Hamas events"—could lead to revocation.
The department's recently established Continuous Vetting Center is tasked with ensuring compliance, and in August, it announced it was vetting more than 55 million visa holders in the country.
Mixed Reactions and Broader Implications
The policy has drawn both support and sharp criticism. Republican Senator Tom Cotton from Arkansas praised the move online, writing, "Immigrants who break our laws shouldn’t be allowed to stay in our country."
However, critics argue the crackdown is overly broad. According to analysis, the administration has cancelled visas for holders with minor infractions that previously might not have threatened their legal status. The cancellation of thousands of student visas has sparked particular concern, with one social media user warning of a "damaging brain drain at colleges" and another sarcastically noting, "International students are thugs now."
In a contrasting trend, The Independent reported a sharp rise in O-1B visa approvals for adult content creators and online influencers, highlighting the selective nature of the current immigration landscape. The administration's aggressive stance continues to reshape the pathways for both entering and remaining in the United States.
