The United States State Department has revoked more than 100,000 visas, including thousands issued to students and specialized professionals, as part of an intensified immigration enforcement effort linked to criminal activity.
In a statement posted on X on Monday, the department disclosed that the revocations include about 8,000 student visas and 2,500 specialized visas belonging to individuals who had encounters with U.S. law enforcement.
The action, according to the department, is aimed at strengthening public safety and ensuring strict compliance with immigration laws.
“The State Department has now revoked over 100,000 visas,” the post read, adding that affected individuals were linked to criminal-related incidents. The department further vowed to sustain the crackdown, stating that deportations would continue to “keep America safe.”
While authorities did not provide details on the timeline of the revocations or specify the offences involved, the move signals a continuation of the U.S. government’s hardline approach toward visa holders implicated in criminal conduct.
The latest development follows earlier actions taken in 2025. In August of that year, the State Department revoked more than 6,000 international student visas over legal violations and overstays, a move confirmed to the BBC.
Officials at the time said most cases were connected to offences such as assault, driving under the influence, burglary, and alleged support for terrorism.
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The revocations form part of broader immigration policies under the Trump administration, which also included a temporary pause on visa appointments for international students earlier in 2025.
When appointments resumed in June, applicants were required to make their social media accounts publicly accessible to allow for enhanced vetting.
U.S. officials said the expanded screening process was designed to identify “any indications of hostility” toward American citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles.
The latest visa revocations underscore Washington’s continued push to tighten border controls and immigration oversight amid ongoing national security concerns.