Washington, DC – January 13, 2026
In a sweeping escalation of immigration enforcement, the Trump administration announced Monday that the US State Department has revoked more than 100,000 visas since President Donald Trump returned to the White House on January 20, 2025. The move, described by officials as a critical step to "keep America safe," more than doubles the number of revocations from the previous year under President Joe Biden.
The State Department revealed the figure in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing a zero-tolerance approach to visa violations. "The State Department has now revoked over 100,000 visas, including some 8,000 student visas and 2,500 specialized visas for individuals who had encounters with U.S. law enforcement for criminal activity," the post read. It concluded with a stark pledge: "We will continue to deport these thugs to keep America safe."
### Record-Breaking Pace
According to the department's data, the revocations in 2025 alone outpaced those of 2024 by more than twofold, marking the highest annual total in recent history. Among the affected visas are those held by students, tourists, and professionals, with the majority cited for overstays, criminal convictions, or suspected ties to terrorism.
Tommy Pigott, the State Department's deputy spokesperson, highlighted the initiative during a briefing, stating it aligns with Trump's campaign promises to tighten borders and prioritize national security. "These actions target individuals who pose risks to our communities, from petty criminals to those with extremist affiliations," Pigott said. He noted that enhanced screening protocols, including cross-checks with federal law enforcement databases, have accelerated the process.
The breakdown of revocations includes:
Overstays and minor violations: Approximately 60,000 cases
Criminal activity: Around 25,000, including drug offenses and assaults
National security concerns: Over 5,000, linked to terrorism support or espionage
Student and specialized visas: 8,000 student F-1 visas and 2,500 H-1B or similar work permits
This aggressive stance comes amid broader deportation efforts, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reporting a 40% increase in removals since Inauguration Day.
### Backlash and Support
The announcement has drawn sharp reactions across the political spectrum. Immigration advocates decried the language and scale as dehumanizing. "Calling people 'thugs' isn't policy—it's prejudice. This will tear families apart and damage our global reputation," said Maria Gonzalez, executive director of the American Immigration Council.
On the right, the move was hailed as a fulfillment of Trump's "America First" agenda. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) tweeted: "Finally, real action on the border. No more catch-and-release—deport them all." Trump himself amplified the State Department's post on Truth Social, adding: "Promises made, promises kept. Weak Biden let them in; strong Trump sends them back!"
Critics, including Democratic lawmakers, have raised concerns about due process. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) called for congressional oversight, warning that the revocations could disproportionately affect lawful immigrants from certain countries. Legal challenges are already mounting, with the ACLU filing suits alleging violations of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
### Global Implications
Internationally, the policy has sparked diplomatic ripples. Countries like India and China—major sources of student and work visas—have issued travel advisories for their citizens. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs reported that over 15,000 Indian nationals' visas were among those revoked, prompting calls for bilateral talks.
As the administration eyes further expansions, including potential travel bans, the visa revocation tally underscores a pivotal shift in US immigration strategy. With Trump's term just shy of its first anniversary, officials signal no slowdown: "This is just the beginning," Pigott affirmed.
This report is based on official statements and verified data from the US State Department. Updates will follow as more details emerge.
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