THE United States has withdrawn more than 100,000 visas since President Donald Trump resumed office, marking the highest number of visa revocations recorded in a single year, according to the State Department.
Officials said the cancellations followed Trump’s second inauguration on January 20, 2025, and reflect a sharp increase compared to 2024 under former president Joe Biden, with the figure now standing at more than double last year’s total.
State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the administration’s top priority remains the protection of American citizens and the defence of US sovereignty.
He added that thousands of the revoked visas were linked to criminal offences, including assault and driving under the influence.
The Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also drawn attention to his decision to cancel visas issued to students involved in protests against Israel.
Using a law dating back to the McCarthy era, Rubio relied on provisions that allow the US to deny entry to individuals deemed to be acting against American foreign policy.
However, some of those affected have successfully challenged deportation orders in court.
The State Department disclosed that about 8,000 of the revoked visas belonged to students.
Authorities have also strengthened visa screening procedures, including plans to review social media activity of applicants and visitors.
The visa cancellations form part of a broader push by the Trump administration to carry out large-scale deportations, supported by an increased deployment of federal agents.
The Department of Homeland Security said last month that more than 605,000 people have been deported, while an additional 2.5 million left the country voluntarily.