The US State Department announced on Monday that it has revoked more than 100,000 visas since President Donald Trump took office last year, setting a new record for the administration’s hardline immigration policy.
This massive increase in revocations reflects a broad crackdown that has led to an unprecedented number of deportations, including people who previously held valid visas. To support this effort, the administration has tightened vetting procedures through expanded screening and social media checks.
In a statement posted to X, the department confirmed the total included 8,000 student visas and 2,500 specialised visas for individuals with criminal histories, vowing to continue these deportations to maintain public safety. Deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott noted that the figures represent a 150 per cent increase over 2024, with the most common reasons for revocation being visa overstays, DUIs, assault, and theft.
🚨BREAKING: The State Department has now revoked over 100,000 visas, including some 8,000 student visas and 2,500 specialized visas for individuals who had encounters with U.S. law enforcement for criminal activity.
We will continue to deport these thugs to keep America safe. pic.twitter.com/wuHVltw1bV
— Department of State (@StateDept) January 12, 2026
To ensure ongoing compliance, the State Department has launched a new Continuous Vetting Center designed to quickly identify and remove foreign nationals who pose a threat.
At the same time, US diplomats have been ordered to increase scrutiny on visa applicants who have a history of political activism or are perceived as hostile to Washington.
Administration officials have specifically warned that student visa holders and green card holders could face deportation for participating in pro-Palestinian protests or criticising Israel’s conduct in the Gaza war, labelling such actions as a threat to US foreign policy.
