The United States Department of State has revoked more than 100,000 visas, including thousands issued to students and specialised professionals, citing encounters with law enforcement for criminal activity.
In a statement posted on its official X handle on Monday, the department said over 8,000 student visas and 2,500 specialised visas were among those withdrawn.
“The State Department has now revoked over 100,000 visas, including some 8,000 student visas and 2,500 specialised visas for individuals who had encounters with U.S. law enforcement for criminal activity,” the department said.
The department said the revocations form part of broader efforts to strengthen public safety and enforce U.S. immigration laws.
Reaffirming its position, it added, “We will continue to deport these thugs to keep America safe.”
However, no details were provided on the exact timeline of the revocations or the specific categories of offences involved.
In August 2025, the U.S. State Department revoked more than 6,000 international student visas over violations of U.S. law and visa overstays.
The department confirmed the development to the BBC, stating that the “vast majority” of the violations were linked to assault, driving under the influence, burglary and alleged support for terrorism.
The move is part of the Donald Trump administration’s wider crackdown on immigration and international students.
Earlier in 2025, visa appointments for international students were temporarily suspended.
When applications resumed in June, prospective students were instructed to make their social media accounts public to allow for enhanced vetting.
U.S. officials said the screening would focus on identifying “any indications of hostility toward the citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles of the United States.”