US Revokes Over 100,000 Visas in Record Immigration Crackdown Under Trump
The United States has revoked more than 100,000 visas since President Donald Trump assumed office in January 2025, marking the highest number of visa cancellations recorded within a single year, Akahi News gathered from disclosures by the US State Department. The unprecedented figure reflects a sharp escalation in immigration enforcement under the Trump administration.
Student and Specialised Visas Among Those Affected
Officials confirmed that the cancellations include about 8,000 student visas and approximately 2,500 specialised visa categories. According to the State Department, enforcement actions have largely targeted foreign nationals reportedly linked to criminal activities.
State Department Deputy Spokesperson, Tommy Pigott, said the primary reasons for the revocations ranged from visa overstays and driving under the influence to assault, theft, and other criminal encounters. He added that the current figures represent a 150 per cent increase compared to visa revocations recorded in 2024.
Continuous Vetting Centre Launched
As part of the expanded enforcement framework, the State Department has established a Continuous Vetting Center to monitor foreign nationals residing in the United States. Pigott explained that the initiative is designed to ensure that all visa holders comply with US laws, while enabling authorities to swiftly revoke visas issued to individuals considered a threat to public safety or national security.
Akahi News learnt that the vetting system is intended to operate in real time, allowing immigration authorities to flag violations and security concerns more rapidly than in previous years.
Earlier Figures and Heightened Scrutiny Abroad
In November 2025, the department had earlier announced that roughly 80,000 non-immigrant visas had been cancelled since President Trump’s inauguration on January 20. Those revocations reportedly stemmed from offences ranging from traffic-related violations to more serious violent crimes.
Beyond domestic enforcement, US diplomats stationed abroad have also been instructed to apply heightened scrutiny to visa applicants perceived to be hostile to the United States or with records of political activism that could raise security concerns. Observers note that this directive signals a broader tightening of both entry and stay conditions for foreign nationals.
Balancing Security and Immigration Integrity
The Trump administration has consistently argued that the measures are necessary to protect American citizens and uphold the integrity of the US immigration system. While supporters view the crackdown as a firm stance on law and order, critics have raised concerns about its potential impact on students, skilled migrants, and freedom of expression.
As immigration enforcement intensifies, analysts believe the policy direction will continue to shape global perceptions of the United States as a destination for study, work, and long-term residence.
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