The United States Department of State has revoked more than 100,000 visas, including thousands held by international students and skilled professionals, citing encounters with law enforcement for criminal activity.
In a statement posted on X on Monday, the department said it had cancelled over 100,000 visas, including about 8,000 student visas and 2,500 specialised work visas issued to people who had been involved in criminal cases in the United States. Officials said the action was part of wider efforts to strengthen public safety and enforce immigration laws, adding that the government would continue deporting offenders to keep the country safe.
The department did not give details on the timing of the revocations or the specific offences involved, but the move underscores the administration’s hardline approach to visa holders linked to crime.
The latest announcement follows earlier action in August 2025, when more than 6,000 international student visas were revoked for violations of US law and overstays. At the time, the State Department told the BBC that most cases involved offences such as assault, driving under the influence, burglary and support for terrorism.
Throughout 2025, the Trump administration has tightened scrutiny of international students and visa applicants. Visa appointments were temporarily suspended earlier in the year, and when they resumed in June, applicants were required to make their social media accounts public for enhanced vetting. Officials said they would review profiles for signs of hostility toward the United States, its citizens, government, institutions and founding principles.
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