• The US State Department revoked over 100,000 visas in 2025, the highest annual total recorded.
• Main reasons for revocation included criminal encounters and visa overstays.
• The increase follows a January 2025 executive order and the launch of continuous vetting systems.
• Concerns over due process and effects on students and skilled workers have been raised.
• This crackdown is part of Trump's ongoing hardline immigration strategy since returning to office.

The US State Department has announced the revocation of more than 100,000 visas since President Donald Trump returned to office in January 2025, marking a record-high annual total. This figure stands in stark contrast to the approximately 40,000 revocations reported in 2024. The surge in cancellations is attributed to various factors including criminal activities of visa holders, particularly in instances of overstays, driving under the influence, assault, and theft, according to Indiatimes and Reuters.

The increase in visa revocations reflects the hardline immigration policies implemented since Trump took office. The administration has emphasized its efforts to strengthen public safety and national security through enhanced vetting procedures. Deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott noted that “we will continue to deport these thugs to keep America safe” targeting individuals who pose a threat to American citizens, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Among the revoked visas, around 8,000 were student visas and 2,500 specialized work visas. Many cancellations stemmed from encounters with law enforcement, although it remains unclear whether these resulted in formal charges. The revocations are part of a broader immigration crackdown initiated by Trump’s administration, which claims to have overseen over 2.5 million voluntary departures and deportations, according to Indiatimes and Reuters.

As part of implementing stricter measures, the State Department has also set up a Continuous Vetting Center to monitor the compliance of foreign nationals with U.S. laws and ensure immediate revocation of visas for those deemed threats. The criteria for vetting have become more stringent, affecting applications particularly from individuals identified as politically active or potentially hostile to U.S. interests, as discussed in reports from Al Jazeera and Reuters.

Criticism continues to mount over the government’s approach, particularly regarding the implications for due process among visa holders, including students involved in political activism. Reports have surfaced of actions targeting individuals based on their political beliefs, raising concerns over potential violations of free speech rights under the First Amendment, highlighted by Al Jazeera.