State Department Revokes Over 100,000 Visas in First Year of Administration, Citing Public Safety
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of State announced this week that it has revoked more than 100,000 non-immigrant visas during the first year of the current Trump administration, marking a significant increase in enforcement actions compared to previous years. Officials stated that the revocations target foreign nationals deemed to jeopardize public safety, reinforcing the administration’s stance that access to the United States is conditional on strict adherence to the law.
According to State Department data released on Monday, the total number of revocations in the administration’s first year—spanning from January 2025 to January 2026—more than doubled the approximately 40,000 visas revoked in the preceding year. The Department emphasized that a U.S. visa is “a privilege, not a right,” and that the federal government retains the authority to withdraw that privilege when holders are found to have engaged in criminal activity or other disqualifying behavior.
“The United States has no obligation to host criminals who endanger the American people,” the State Department declared in a statement accompanying the release of the figures. Officials highlighted that the enforcement surge is part of a broader “zero tolerance” strategy aimed at reducing crime and ensuring the integrity of the nation’s immigration system.
Breakdown of Revocations
The 100,000 figure comprises a wide range of visa categories. While the majority of cancellations involved business and tourist travelers who had overstayed their authorized period of admission, significant numbers of revocations were issued against individuals holding student and specialized worker visas.
Approximately 8,000 student visas (F and J categories) were revoked, alongside roughly 2,500 specialized worker visas. State Department Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott indicated that many of these targeted cancellations were the direct result of “encounters with U.S. law enforcement.”
Authorities provided a breakdown of the specific offenses that led to these revocations. Among specialized workers who lost their status, nearly half were cited for driving under the influence (DUI) arrests. Another 30 percent faced charges related to assault, battery, or confinement. The remaining 20 percent of revocations in this category were attributed to crimes including theft, child abuse, fraud, embezzlement, and drug distribution.
Enhanced Vetting Protocols
The sharp rise in revocations is attributed to new, more aggressive screening measures implemented shortly after the administration took office. These measures include the establishment of a “Continuous Vetting Center,” which allows federal agencies to monitor the eligibility of visa holders in real-time rather than only during their initial application or renewal process.
This system facilitates immediate communication between law enforcement agencies and the State Department. When a non-citizen is arrested or charged with a crime—such as domestic abuse or drug possession—the system flags the individual, allowing consular officers to move quickly to revoke the visa, often before a conviction is finalized.
“We will continue to deport these thugs to keep America safe,” a State Department official posted on social media, referring to the individuals whose visas were cancelled due to criminal records.
Impact on Visa Holders
Legal experts note that a visa revocation invalidates a foreign national’s entry document, effectively barring them from re-entering the United States if they are abroad, or rendering them removable if they are currently present in the country.
The administration has framed these actions as essential for national security. However, immigration advocates have raised concerns regarding the speed of the revocations and the potential for errors in the automated vetting systems. Despite these criticisms, the State Department maintains that its priority remains the safety of U.S. citizens and the enforcement of sovereignty.
As the administration enters its second year, officials have signaled that these rigorous enforcement policies will continue, with ongoing reviews of the millions of valid visas currently in circulation.
* livemint.com
* impactpolicies.org
* visahq.com
* hindustantimes.com
* thedailyjagran.com
* ghanaweb.com
* realnewsmagazine.net
* straitstimes.com
* trtworld.com
