U.S. Revokes 100,000+ Visas in Record Crackdown, State Dept Says

The U.S. State Department says it has revoked more than 100,000 visas since January 2025, a record pace the agency disclosed on January 12, 2026, underscoring a broader hardening of immigration enforcement.

What Happened

The department said the revocations have accumulated since President Donald Trump returned to office last year, reflecting stepped-up checks on visitors and temporary residents. Officials said the cancellations include cases tied to overstays and encounters with U.S. law enforcement. About 8,000 student visas were canceled, along with roughly 2,500 specialized visas, according to the agency’s announcement.

Deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the most common triggers were visa overstays, driving under the influence, assault and theft. The total represents a sharp acceleration from the prior year; revocations rose 150% from 2024 levels, the department said.

What’s Driving It

The administration has tightened screening both before and after entry, expanding background checks, social-media reviews and continuous monitoring of visa holders. The State Department also launched a new unit to flag risks and move quickly when circumstances change. A new Continuous Vetting Center is operating to help identify visa holders who may no longer meet eligibility requirements, officials said.

The tougher stance builds on parallel moves to narrow visa issuance in certain categories and countries through recent presidential proclamations and consular guidance, signaling that stricter scrutiny now extends from the interview window to a visitor’s entire stay.

What It Means

For students, skilled workers and frequent business travelers, the headline number is a reminder that visa status is not static. Post-issuance checks can lead to cancellation, and violations—even non-immigration offenses—can have immigration consequences. Applicants should expect lengthier vetting, more document requests and, in some cases, re-interviews or travel delays if a visa is revoked and reapplication is required.

Colleges, employers and travel planners are bracing for knock-on effects, from mid-semester disruptions to staffing gaps and itinerary changes. While the department says the push is aimed at public-safety risks and compliance, the record pace of revocations suggests a new baseline for enforcement intensity heading into 2026.

Sources

• Trump administration has revoked over 100,000 visas, State Department says — Reuters (January 12, 2026)
• Trump Administration Touts 100,000 Visa Cancellations in 2025 — Bloomberg Law (January 12, 2026)
• Suspension of Visa Issuance to Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States — U.S. Department of State (December 19, 2025)