In a sweeping move underscoring its tough immigration stance, the Trump administration has revoked approximately 80,000 non-immigrant visas since taking office on January 20, according to a senior U.S. State Department official. The mass revocations, driven by a mix of criminal offenses and tightened security policies, mark one of the broadest visa crackdowns in recent U.S. history.
A Massive Visa Purge
The revoked visas include those belonging to individuals accused of offenses such as driving under the influence (DUI), assault, theft, and overstays.
According to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, roughly 16,000 visas were canceled due to DUI-related cases, around 12,000 for assault, and 8,000 for theft — making up nearly half of all revocations this year.
The administration’s aggressive approach reflects President Donald Trump’s longstanding promise to tighten U.S. immigration controls, emphasizing “law and order” and national security as top priorities.
Stricter Vetting and Surveillance
Officials said the State Department has also implemented expanded social media vetting and enhanced background screening as part of its revised visa policy. The move aims to identify applicants with potential security risks or political affiliations deemed “incompatible” with U.S. interests.
In August, the department confirmed that over 6,000 student visas had been revoked for legal violations and overstays, with a small number tied to alleged support for terrorism.
Last month, authorities also revoked the visas of at least six individuals over online comments referencing the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, further illustrating the administration’s willingness to link digital expression to immigration eligibility.
Political and Policy Dimensions
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated earlier this year that he personally authorized the cancellation of “hundreds, perhaps thousands” of visas, including those of international students, over activities deemed contrary to U.S. foreign policy.
New directives issued by the State Department have urged U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide to remain vigilant against applicants perceived as hostile to American interests — particularly those engaged in political activism or public criticism of U.S. allies.
According to multiple reports, officials have increasingly targeted Palestinian supporters and critics of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, labeling their activism as “pro-Hamas” or “contrary to U.S. foreign policy objectives.” This has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations and academic groups, who argue the policy infringes on freedom of speech and academic freedom.
A Broader Crackdown on Immigration
The mass visa cancellations form part of a wider Trump-era immigration crackdown that includes tougher deportation measures, increased visa denials, and an overhaul of refugee and student visa programs.
Legal experts warn that such policies risk chilling free expression among international residents and students, many of whom now fear their lawful status could be jeopardized over online activity or political opinions.
As of now, the State Department has declined to release the full breakdown of visa categories affected, but insiders say the trend reflects “a deliberate tightening of America’s entry gates” under the administration’s hardline immigration doctrine.
In other news also read about Trump Alleges Pakistan is Secretly Testing Nuclear Weapons; ‘They Don’t Tell You About It,’ He Says
