100,000 Visas Revoked Since Trump’s Return, US Says

Report on “100,000 Visas Revoked Since Trump’s Return, US Says”

On January 12, 2026, the United States State Department announced that more than 100,000 visas had been revoked since President Donald Trump’s second inauguration on January 20, 2025. This figure represents a dramatic escalation in visa revocations compared to the previous year under President Joe Biden, marking a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy and enforcement. The announcement underscores the Trump administration’s renewed focus on restricting immigration and tightening border controls, consistent with the president’s campaign promises and broader anti-migrant platform.

Scale of Revocations

According to the State Department, the number of visas revoked since Trump’s return is two and a half times higher than the total recorded in 2024. This surge sets a record for a single year, highlighting the administration’s aggressive approach to immigration enforcement. The revocations span multiple categories, including student visas, work permits, and visitor visas. Notably, 8,000 of the revoked visas were issued to students, many of whom were targeted for political activities such as protests against U.S. foreign policy toward Israel.

Grounds for Revocation

The State Department clarified that “thousands” of visas were revoked on grounds of criminal activity, which includes offenses such as assault and drunk driving. Beyond criminality, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has invoked a McCarthy-era law that permits the U.S. government to block entry to foreigners deemed to be acting against American foreign policy interests. This provision has been used to revoke visas from individuals engaged in political activism, particularly those critical of U.S. allies. While some of these high-profile cases have been challenged successfully in court, the administration has continued to apply the law as a tool of immigration control.

Policy Measures and Enforcement

The Trump administration has introduced stricter vetting procedures for visa applicants, including the screening of social media activity. This measure reflects a broader effort to monitor ideological leanings and potential threats to U.S. sovereignty. The visa revocations are part of a larger campaign of mass deportations. The Department of Homeland Security reported that more than 605,000 people have been deported since Trump’s return, while an additional 2.5 million individuals left the country voluntarily. These figures illustrate the scale of the administration’s enforcement drive and its impact on migrant communities.

Political Context and Implications

The revocation of visas aligns with President Trump’s broader political narrative of prioritizing American sovereignty and security. State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott emphasized that protecting U.S. citizens remains the administration’s highest priority. Secretary Rubio’s actions, particularly against student activists, have drawn criticism from civil liberties advocates who argue that the measures suppress dissent and politicize immigration enforcement. Internationally, the policy has sparked debate over the United States’ adherence to democratic principles and its treatment of foreign nationals.

Let’s Take A Break

The revocation of over 100,000 visas since President Trump’s return to office represents a watershed moment in U.S. immigration policy. The unprecedented scale of enforcement, the targeting of political activists, and the expansion of vetting procedures reflect a hardline approach that has reshaped the landscape of migration to the United States. While the administration frames these actions as necessary for national security, critics warn of the potential erosion of civil liberties and international norms. The long-term implications of this policy will likely reverberate across diplomatic relations, higher education, and the global perception of the United States as a destination for migrants and students.