U.S. revokes over 100,000 visas in immigration crackdown under Trump administration

By Benedicta Aboh

The United States State Department has announced that more than 100,000 visas have been revoked since President Donald Trump returned to office, marking a record figure under his administration’s strict immigration policy.

According to the department, the sweeping revocations followed an intensified crackdown that began shortly after Trump’s inauguration, with authorities deporting large numbers of migrants, including individuals who previously held valid visas.

Visa approval processes have also been tightened, with expanded background checks and enhanced screening of applicants’ social media activity.

In a statement posted on X on Monday, the State Department disclosed that over 100,000 visas have now been cancelled, including about 8,000 student visas and 2,500 specialised visas issued to individuals who had encounters with U.S. law enforcement over criminal-related activities. The department said the move was aimed at strengthening national security.

Deputy State Department spokesperson, Mr. Tommy Pigott, explained that the primary reasons for the revocations were visa overstays, driving under the influence, assault and theft. He noted that the latest figure represents a 150 per cent increase compared to 2024.

Pigott also announced the establishment of a Continuous Vetting Center, which he said would ensure that all foreign nationals residing in the United States comply with the law, adding that visas of individuals deemed to pose a threat to public safety would be promptly revoked.

In November, the State Department had revealed that about 80,000 non-immigrant visas were revoked between January 20, 2025, and that period, for offences including assault, theft and driving under the influence.

Meanwhile, new directives have reportedly instructed U.S. diplomats overseas to subject visa applicants considered hostile to U.S. interests to stricter scrutiny, particularly those with a record of political activism.

Officials in the Trump administration have also indicated that student visa holders and lawful permanent residents could face deportation over support for Palestinians and criticism of Israel’s actions in the Gaza conflict, citing concerns over U.S. foreign policy and alleged links to Hamas.