100,000 Visas cancelled: Why Trump’s immigration crackdown is hitting students, workers and tourists hard
Immigration crackdown sees record US visas revocations.
The United States has revoked more than 100,000 visas since President Donald Trump returned to office, marking the largest visa cancellation drive in modern US history. According to the State Department, the surge reflects a sweeping immigration crackdown that has intensified screening, expanded post-entry monitoring, and widened the scope of who can lose legal status.
Officials say the move is aimed at public safety and national security, but critics argue it has ensnared both criminals and law-abiding visa holders, raising serious concerns over due process and free speech.
Who Is Being Affected by the Visa Revocations?
The cancellations cut across nearly every major visa category:
- 8,000 student visas
- 2,500 specialised work visas
- Tens of thousands of tourist and business visas
The majority of revoked visas involved overstays, while others followed encounters with US law enforcement. Notably, officials clarified that an encounter does not always mean a conviction, a detail that has alarmed immigration advocates and universities.
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Why Are US Visas Being Revoked at Record Levels?
State Department officials identified four leading causes:
- Visa overstays
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Assault
- Theft
Beyond criminal allegations, the administration has rolled out enhanced social media screening and continuous vetting, allowing visas to be cancelled after entry into the US. The revocation rate represents a 150% increase from 2024, according to government figures.
What Is the Continuous Vetting System?
A newly launched Continuous Vetting Center now monitors visa holders throughout their stay. Officials confirmed that up to 55 million foreign nationals with valid visas may be reviewed under the programme.
The system is designed to flag:
- Criminal activity
- Immigration violations
- Security concerns
- Online activity deemed hostile to US interests
This marks a major shift from previous policy, where visa reviews largely ended once entry was granted.
Students and Political Speech Under Scrutiny
Some of the most controversial cases involve international students. In 2025, the administration began revoking visas of students involved in pro-Palestinian protests, including a Tufts University student reportedly targeted after writing a campus editorial.
Civil liberties groups warn the policy risks violating the First Amendment, especially where visa cancellations appear linked to political expression rather than criminal conduct.
Trump Administration Defends the Crackdown
The Trump administration has framed the move as a safety measure. In a public statement, the State Department said it would “continue to deport these thugs to keep America safe.”
Trump, sworn in for a second term in January 2025, campaigned on overseeing the largest deportation programme in US history, claiming over 2.5 million deportations and voluntary departures so far.
Growing Backlash and Legal Challenges
Universities, employers, and immigration groups have raised alarms over:
- Lack of transparency
- Arbitrary enforcement
- Chilling effects on international education and skilled labour
Several legal challenges are already underway, with more expected as reviews continue into 2026.
FAQ
Why is the US revoking so many visas in 2025–2026?
The surge follows an executive order by President Trump reinstating strict vetting rules, expanded law-enforcement checks, and continuous post-entry monitoring.
Can the US revoke a visa after someone enters the country?
Yes. Under the continuous vetting system, visas can be revoked at any time, even after legal entry.
Are students being targeted in the visa crackdown?
Student visas have been revoked for overstays, criminal cases, and in some instances, political activism—raising free-speech concerns.
Does a visa revocation mean a criminal conviction?
No. The State Department confirmed some revocations followed law-enforcement encounters, not convictions.
Which visas are most affected?
Tourist and business visas account for the largest share, followed by student and specialised worker visas.
What happens if a visa is revoked?
Visa holders may face detention, deportation, or be required to leave the US voluntarily.
Will visa reviews continue into 2026?
Yes. Officials confirmed additional reviews and cancellations are expected as enhanced screening remains in place.
