The figure is more than double the roughly 40,000 visas cancelled in 2024, the final year of the previous administration. (File Photo)
The United States revoked more than 100,000 visas in 2025, including around 8,000 student visas, as part of a wider push to tighten immigration screening, the US State Department said on Tuesday.
The figure is more than double the roughly 40,000 visas cancelled in 2024, the final year of the previous administration, Fox News reported, citing the State Department’s data.
“The State Department has now revoked over 100,000 visas, including some 8,000 student visas and 2,500 specialised visas for individuals who had encounters with US law enforcement for criminal activity,” the department said in a statement posted on social media. “We will continue to deport these thugs to keep America safe.”
Why visas were revoked
State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said most of the revocations involved foreign nationals charged with or convicted of crimes.
“That includes revoked visas from thousands of foreign nationals charged or convicted with crimes, including assault, theft and driving under the influence,” Pigott said.
Most of the visas cancelled were held by business and tourist travellers who overstayed their permits. However, thousands of students and specialised workers also lost their legal status due to criminal encounters with law enforcement.
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Among specialised workers, about half of the revocations were linked to drunken driving arrests, while others involved assault, theft, child abuse, drug offences and fraud, the report said. Nearly 500 students reportedly lost visas over drug possession or distribution cases.
Pigott said the Trump administration would continue what he described as an “aggressive” enforcement approach through a new “continuous vetting centre”.
“The Trump administration will continue to put America first and protect our nation from foreign nationals who pose a risk to public safety or national security,” he said.
The State Department has repeatedly said that a US visa is a privilege, not a right, and that all available information is used during screening.
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India among most affected by new US visa norms
India is among the countries affected by tighter checks. Since December, the State Department has introduced enhanced screening for H-1B and dependent H-4 visa applicants, including reviews of social media activity.
Several visa interviews scheduled across India have been postponed, leaving many applicants who travelled for visa stamping waiting for months, according to affected applicants.
The Trump administration has stepped up scrutiny of both legal and illegal immigration, tightening rules for those seeking to enter the US for work or study, the department said.
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