The US has revoked over 100,000 visas, including those of around 8,000 students, in 2025 as part of its widespread efforts to crack down on immigration, citing criminal activity. This marked a record number of cancellations, which was more than double the number cancelled in 2024, the final year of President Joe Biden’s administration.
The department shared the update in a post on X, saying the revoked visas include around 8,000 student visas and about 2,500 specialised visas that had previous encounters with US law enforcement related to “criminal activity".
“We will continue to deport these thugs to keep America safe," it said.
According to a Fox News report, the surge in visa revocations follows Trump’s day-one executive order tightening the vetting of foreign nationals. In 2024, around 40,000 visas were revoked. Most of the cancellations in 2025 involved business and tourist visitors who overstayed their visas.
Among specialised workers, about half of the revocations were linked to drink-driving arrests, while others involved assault, theft, child abuse, drug-related offences, fraud and embezzlement.
The report also said nearly 500 students lost their visas due to drug possession and distribution, while hundreds of foreign workers were stripped of visas over allegations of child abuse.
In August 2025, the Trump administration announced a review of all 55 million foreign nationals holding valid US visas. US State Department principal deputy spokesperson Tommy Piggott said enforcement would continue through a new “continuous vetting centre" as part of efforts to protect public safety and national security.
“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," Piggott said.
The department has also tightened visa rules, including enforcing a “public charge" policy that allows officials to deny visas to applicants considered likely to depend on public benefits.
The Trump administration has intensified crackdown on immigration, both illegal and legal, and tightened rules for individuals seeking to enter the US for work or study.
From December 15, the State Department also began enhanced screening of H-1B and dependent H-4 visa applicants, including checks of social media profiles. Several H-1B visa interviews scheduled across India have since been postponed, leaving many applicants who travelled for visa stamping stranded for months.
