The Trump administration has revoked 85,000 visas across multiple categories since January—more than double the number from the previous year—according to a U.S. State Department official. The dramatic rise reflects the administration’s intensified efforts to crack down on immigration and closely scrutinize who can enter or remain in the United States.
More than 8,000 student visas are included in the total, marking a significant escalation in visa cancellations as federal agencies expand vetting programs and broaden their criteria for determining visa eligibility.
Reasons Behind the Visa Revocations
A State Department spokesperson noted that offenses such as:
- Driving under the influence
- Assault
- Theft
account for nearly half of visa revocations this year. The department did not specify the reasons for the remaining cases but has previously highlighted grounds such as:
- Visa expirations
- Criminal indicators
- Alleged support for terrorism
The administration has also faced criticism for revoking visas of international students involved in protests related to the Israel–Gaza conflict. In October, officials confirmed that some students had their visas cancelled for allegedly “celebrating” the killing of Charlie Kirk.
Continuous Vetting of Millions of Visa Holders
In August, a senior State Department official revealed plans for a new “continuous vetting” system covering over 55 million foreign nationals with valid U.S. visas.
Under this approach, visas may be revoked if new information suggests:
- Potential overstays
- Criminal activity
- Public safety threats
- Involvement in terrorism
- Providing support to a terrorist group
The official emphasized that the department monitors law-enforcement records, immigration data, and any additional information that surfaces after a visa has been issued.
Expanded Criteria for Visa Denials Under Trump’s Second Term
The administration has broadened the circumstances under which visa applicants—especially those seeking high-skilled visas—can be denied entry.
New Restrictions Include:
- Enhanced vetting of H-1B applicants who have worked in roles such as content moderation or fact-checking
- Visa denials for foreign nationals accused of “censoring Americans,” per a policy introduced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio
- New scrutiny for student visas, requiring applicants to:
- Set social media accounts to public
- Disclose online activity
- Demonstrate no “hostile attitudes” toward U.S. culture, institutions, or founding principles
A diplomatic cable noted that limited online visibility may itself be seen as suspicious, suggesting an attempt to hide activity.
Rubio has strongly defended the administration’s approach, arguing it protects national security and free speech.
DHS Crackdowns, Travel Restrictions, and Refugee Freezes
Beyond visa revocations, the Department of Homeland Security has intensified enforcement efforts, including:
- Expanded detention operations
- Accelerated deportations
- A virtual halt to refugee resettlement
- A review of refugees admitted under the Biden administration
The administration also imposed new travel restrictions on 19 countries earlier this year. Following the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C.—for which an Afghan national is the suspect—DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has recommended expanding the list to 30–32 countries.
A Broader Shift in U.S. Immigration Enforcement
The surge in visa cancellations, heightened vetting mandates, and sweeping policy changes reflect a deliberate push by the Trump administration to exert tighter control over immigration pathways. Critics argue these actions infringe upon First Amendment rights and disproportionately target students and activists, while supporters say they enhance national security.
