The U.S. State Department revoked more than 100,000 foreign visas in 2025, marking an all-time high and more than double the 40,000 revocations recorded in 2024 under the Biden administration, according to a Fox News report citing State Department data.
The surge reflects President Donald Trump's aggressive immigration enforcement agenda, launched with a day-one executive order emphasising enhanced vetting of foreign nationals. The revocations primarily targeted nonimmigrant visas for business, tourism, students, and specialised workers, with the majority involving overstays by business and tourist travellers.
State Department officials attributed the actions to concerns over criminal activity, public safety, and national security. Among specialised worker visas, approximately half stemmed from drunk driving arrests, 30% from assault, battery, or confinement charges, and the remaining 20% from offences including theft, child abuse, substance abuse or distribution, and fraud or embezzlement.
The department also revoked about 8,000 student visas, with nearly 500 linked to drug possession or distribution.
"The Trump administration will not hesitate to revoke visas from foreigners who undermine our laws or threaten our national security," State Department principal deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott stated in comments reported by multiple outlets, including Fox News.
The policy builds on broader initiatives, including an August announcement to review all 55 million active U.S. visas held by foreigners, the revival of a "public charge" rule in November to deny visas to those likely to rely on public benefits, and the establishment of a "continuous vetting centre" for ongoing monitoring.
Some revocations sparked controversy, particularly those involving international students accused of supporting terrorism or engaging in activities deemed contrary to U.S. foreign policy priorities. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the measures, stating he had revoked visas from hundreds, possibly thousands, including students involved in such activities.
This enforcement push aligns with the administration's wider 2025 immigration efforts, which have included over 600,000 deportations and a reduction of the refugee cap to 7,500. Officials maintain the focus remains on protecting American safety.
The record number underscores a sharp departure from prior years, with the State Department emphasising that being in the U.S. on a visa is a privilege, not a right.
