The United States Department of State has withdrawn more than 100,000 visas, including thousands granted to students and specialised professionals, citing encounters with law enforcement linked to criminal activity.
In a statement shared on its official X account on Monday, the department revealed that over 8,000 student visas and about 2,500 specialised visas were among those revoked.
According to the department, “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 visa cancellations, the department said, are part of ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and strictly enforce U.S. immigration laws. It reaffirmed its stance, stating, “We will continue to deport these thugs to keep America safe.”
However, officials did not provide specific details regarding the timing of the revocations or the exact nature of the offences involved.
In August 2025, the State Department had revoked more than 6,000 international student visas over breaches of U.S. laws and visa overstays. At the time, the department told the BBC that most cases involved offences such as assault, driving under the influence, burglary, and alleged links to terrorism.
The action forms part of the Donald Trump administration’s broader immigration crackdown, particularly targeting international students. Earlier in 2025, visa appointment slots for foreign students were temporarily suspended.
When applications resumed in June, applicants were required to make their social media profiles public for enhanced screening. U.S. officials said the vetting process would focus on identifying “any signs of hostility toward the citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles of the United States.”