WASHINGTON, Dec 10 : The US State Department announced that 85,000 visas have been revoked since January, underscoring the Trump administration’s intensified focus on immigration enforcement and border security.
In a post on X, the State Department wrote, “85,000 visa revocations since January. President Trump and Secretary Rubio adhere to one simple mandate, and they won’t stop anytime soon,” alongside an image with the slogan “Make America Safe Again,” reinforcing the administration’s push to tighten visa regulations on national security grounds.
According to a State Department official, the 85,000 revoked visas span all categories, more than double the number withdrawn last year. The figure includes over 8,000 student visas, targeting immigrants already in the United States while also tightening entry for prospective visitors, the CNN reported.
The official added that offenses such as driving under the influence, assault and theft accounted for “almost half of the revocations in the past year.”
The surge in visa cancellations has also raised First Amendment concerns, as international students involved in protests against the war in Gaza have reportedly been targeted. The administration has accused some protesters of antisemitism and of supporting terrorism, and the State Department said in October that it had revoked visas of individuals who allegedly “celebrated” Charlie Kirk’s murder, CNN reported.
The Trump administration has implemented “continuous vetting” of “all of the more than 55 million foreigners” holding valid US visas.
“The State Department revokes visas any time there are indications of potential ineligibility, including overstays, criminal activity, threats to public safety, engaging in terrorism, or providing support to a terrorist organization,” an official said at the time. “We review all available information during vetting, including law enforcement and immigration records or any other new information that emerges after visa issuance.”
In June, the State Department instructed its embassies and consulates to screen student visa applicants for “hostile attitudes towards our citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles.”
Secretary Rubio has strongly defended the administration’s approach to student visa restrictions.
Earlier this year, the administration restricted travel to the United States from 19 countries.
(UNI)
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