The U.S. Department of State has announced the revocation of nearly 80,000 non-immigrant visas since President Donald Trump returned to office in January 2025.
The move, described as one of the largest immigration enforcement actions in recent U.S. history, targets individuals accused of criminal offenses, terrorism support, and political activity deemed risky to national security.
The State Department disclosed the action in a statement on Thursday, describing it as part of Trump’s renewed pledge to tighten visa regulations and strengthen national security.
The statement added that the decision was “promises made, promises kept,” emphasizing that President Trump
“will always put the safety and interests of the American people first.”
According to officials, the revocations primarily affected tourists, students, and temporary workers.
Out of the total, about 16,000 visas were canceled due to driving under the influence (DUI) offenses, 12,000 for assault, and 8,000 for theft, making up nearly half of all visa revocations this year.
“These three crimes alone account for almost 50 percent of the revocations,” a senior State Department official confirmed, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Since returning to the White House, President Trump has directed agencies to intensify visa screening measures.
This includes closer scrutiny of applicants’ social media activity, background checks, and monitoring of political affiliations.
In August, the State Department also confirmed that more than 6,000 student visas were revoked for overstaying, violating U.S. laws, or having links to extremist groups.
A smaller number were canceled for alleged support for terrorism.
Furthermore, several visas were reportedly revoked after individuals made social media posts celebrating the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Officials said such cases were viewed as serious violations of U.S. law and public safety standards.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio added that “hundreds, possibly thousands” of additional visas had been revoked for individuals whose activities conflicted with U.S. foreign-policy goals.
Diplomatic sources revealed that new cables sent earlier this year instructed U.S. embassies to closely monitor visa applicants with histories of anti-U.S. activism, especially those critical of Israel’s war in Gaza or supportive of Palestinian causes.
Officials claimed that such affiliations could indicate pro-Hamas sympathies, raising “foreign-policy risks.”
“The revocations underscore the administration’s expanding use of visa authority as a political and security tool,” said one rights advocate, warning that ideological screening could harm legitimate visitors and students.
“Our focus is simple protect Americans first,” the State Department reiterated. “Every revoked visa reflects our unwavering commitment to law, order, and safety.”
