The United States Department of State has announced the revocation of more than 100,000 visas, marking the highest number ever recorded and affecting thousands of international students and specialised professionals.
The department disclosed in a statement issued on Monday that the decision targeted individuals “who had encounters with U.S. law enforcement for criminal activity.” It added that approximately 8,000 of the revoked documents were student visas, while about 2,500 were issued to specialised professionals.
“We will continue to deport these thugs to keep America safe,” the statement added, underscoring the government’s firm position on immigration enforcement.
Although officials did not provide a detailed timeline for the revocations or outline specific offences committed by those affected, the action forms part of a broader crackdown on visa holders linked to criminal activities under the Trump administration.
The move follows earlier actions taken in August 2025, when more than 6,000 student visas were withdrawn due to violations such as assault, driving under the influence, burglary, and alleged support for terrorism.
Throughout 2025, the administration has intensified visa vetting procedures. Earlier in the year, visa appointments were temporarily paused before being resumed with a new requirement compelling applicants to make their social media accounts publicly accessible.
According to the State Department, the measure was introduced to enable screening for “any indications of hostility toward the citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles of the United States.”
State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said, “The Trump administration has no higher priority than protecting American citizens and upholding American sovereignty.” He also noted that the latest figure represents two and a half times the number of visas revoked in 2024.
The visa revocations are part of a wider immigration enforcement drive that has resulted in more than 605,000 deportations, according to figures released by the Department of Homeland Security.
