Washington: In a sweeping move that underscores its hardline approach to immigration, the Donald Trump administration has revoked nearly 80,000 non-immigrant visas since taking office earlier this year, a senior U.S. State Department official confirmed on Wednesday. The unprecedented scale of cancellations marks one of the most significant enforcement efforts targeting temporary visa holders in recent American history.
According to the official, the revoked visas include a wide range of categories, from tourist and student visas to work and business permits. The bulk of the cancellations reportedly stem from background checks and post-entry evaluations carried out under the administration’s tightened vetting procedures.
Of the 80,000 visas rescinded, approximately 16,000 were linked to driving under the influence (DUI) charges, 12,000 to assault-related offences, and nearly 8,000 to theft or larceny. These three categories alone accounted for almost half of all cancellations. In addition, thousands of student visas were revoked for overstaying, misrepresentation, or engaging in activities deemed contrary to U.S. national interests.
A State Department spokesperson said the policy reflects a “zero-tolerance” stance on both criminal misconduct and potential security risks associated with visa holders. The revocations, the official clarified, do not necessarily result in deportations but do bar the affected individuals from re-entering the United States until further review.
The large-scale revocations are part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to tighten control over legal immigration, complementing its already controversial policies on illegal migration and border enforcement. Since returning to office, President Trump has directed federal agencies to intensify screening measures across all visa categories, with a particular focus on applicants from countries considered high-risk or those with poor record-keeping systems.
Under these new protocols, visa applicants face enhanced background checks, social media scrutiny, and stricter interviews. Even those already residing in the U.S. on valid non-immigrant visas are being subjected to renewed evaluation.
A senior State Department official described the approach as “an active and ongoing review process” aimed at ensuring that every foreign national in the country remains compliant with the terms of their visa and U.S. law.
Notably, the administration’s crackdown extends beyond criminal offenses to ideological and behavioral vetting. U.S. consulates have been instructed to monitor the social media activity of certain visa holders, with particular attention to posts that could be interpreted as anti-American, extremist, or supportive of foreign adversaries.
Officials have also hinted that student and cultural exchange visas could be revoked if recipients are found participating in political demonstrations or sharing content seen as hostile to U.S. interests. Critics argue that such criteria risk violating free speech principles and could lead to arbitrary or politically motivated visa actions.
The move has sparked mixed reactions across diplomatic and legal circles. Immigration advocates have condemned the policy as excessive and discriminatory, warning that it could undermine the U.S.’s global image as an open and democratic nation. “Revoking tens of thousands of visas retroactively creates fear and uncertainty among international students, skilled workers, and tourists,” said one immigration rights attorney in Washington.
However, administration officials defend the decision as necessary to protect national security and restore integrity to the visa system. “Our message is clear,” said one senior official. “A U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right, and it can be withdrawn if misused or obtained under false pretenses.”
The revocations have immediate consequences for individuals who were already in the United States or planning to travel. Many have found their visas canceled without prior notice, leaving them stranded abroad or facing legal limbo.
Experts warn that the move could discourage international students and skilled professionals from seeking opportunities in the United States, at a time when global competition for talent is intensifying. “This will likely have a chilling effect on foreign enrollment in U.S. universities and tech industries,” said an analyst at the Migration Policy Institute.
While the administration maintains that the measure is essential for security, questions remain about transparency, due process, and the potential for error in the revocation process. It is still unclear how many of the 80,000 affected individuals will contest the decision or seek reinstatement through legal channels.
As the United States continues recalibrating its immigration framework under President Trump’s renewed tenure, the visa revocations signal a shift toward retrospective enforcement holding not only future applicants but also current residents accountable to heightened standards of compliance and conduct.
For thousands of foreign nationals, the message is unambiguous: under the Trump administration, visa privileges are subject to constant review, and the margin for error has grown narrower than ever.