80,000 Visas Revoked Under Trump, Says US Government

The US government has revoked more than 80,000 non-immigrant visas since President Donald Trump returned to office in January 2025. 

This marks one of the largest immigration enforcement actions in recent years. According to the State Department, the cancelled visas cover a wide range of offences, including assault, theft, and driving under the influence. 

Around 16,000 visas were revoked for DUI-related charges, 12,000 for assault, and 8,000 for theft. Officials said the measure is part of a broader effort to tighten immigration controls by targeting not only undocumented migrants but also foreign nationals with legal status who have violated US laws or visa conditions.

The policy has also affected non-criminal cases. In August, more than 6,000 student visas were cancelled due to overstays and other legal breaches. A small number of cases reportedly involved allegations of supporting terrorism. 

The decision followed several high-profile incidents, including the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, after which six individuals lost their visas for social media posts viewed as sympathetic to the attack. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has led the administration’s public messaging on the issue. 

In May, he confirmed that hundreds, and potentially thousands, of visas had been revoked for individuals whose actions were considered contrary to US foreign policy interests. These included expressions of support for Palestinians and criticism of Israeli military operations in Gaza, which officials have described as potential indicators of pro-Hamas sentiment.

Government representatives have warned that students and green card holders who publicly oppose US policy in the Middle East could face visa revocation or deportation. Civil rights groups have criticised this approach, arguing that it threatens free speech and academic freedom.

The visa cancellations form part of a wider immigration enforcement strategy that has also led to a rise in deportations, including of individuals who previously held legal entry status. The White House has defended the measures as essential for public safety and the rule of law, while opponents say they risk unfairly targeting specific communities and broadening the definition of what constitutes a visa violation.

The administration’s criteria for visa eligibility now appear to extend beyond legal compliance to include alignment with US foreign policy..