The Trump administration has revoked around 80,000 non-immigrant visas since taking office on January 20, as part of a sweeping immigration crackdown targeting various offenses, from driving under the influence to assault and theft, according to a senior State Department official.
The large-scale revocations, first reported by the Washington Examiner, highlight the administration’s aggressive approach to immigration enforcement, which has also seen the deportation of migrants with valid visas. Officials have implemented tighter vetting measures, including expanded social media screening and stricter approval processes for visa applicants.
Of the total revoked visas, approximately 16,000 were linked to driving under the influence, 12,000 to assault, and 8,000 to theft—together accounting for nearly half of all cancellations this year.
In August, the State Department confirmed it had revoked over 6,000 student visas for overstays and other legal violations, including a small number for alleged “support for terrorism.” More recently, at least six individuals reportedly lost their visas over social media comments related to the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated in May that he personally approved the revocation of “hundreds, perhaps thousands” of visas, including those of foreign students, citing activities contrary to U.S. foreign policy interests.
State Department directives this year have instructed U.S. diplomats abroad to scrutinize applicants deemed politically hostile or critical of American policies. Officials have also warned that visa and green card holders expressing support for Palestinians or criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza could face deportation, labeling such views as threats to U.S. national interests.
