The US has cancelled more than 100,000 visas in under a year, marking a record rise as authorities step up monitoring and enforcement on security and public safety grounds.
The US State Department said over 100,000 visas were revoked in under a year following stricter post-entry monitoring. | IANS
The United States has cancelled more than 100,000 visas issued to foreign nationals in less than a year, marking the highest number of revocations on record. The move is part of a broader push by the administration of Donald Trump to tighten border controls and strengthen internal security, according to the US State Department.
Officials said the scale of action represents a sharp rise compared to previous years and reflects tougher monitoring of visa holders already inside the country.
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“The Trump administration has no higher priority than protecting American citizens and upholding American sovereignty,” said Tommy Pigott, Principal Deputy Spokesperson at the US State Department, in a statement released on Monday.
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Pigott said the numbers show a significant escalation in enforcement.
“In less than one year, the State Department revoked over 100,000 visas from foreign nationals, marking a new record and more than a 150% increase in revocations since 2024,” he said.
According to the department, the cancelled visas involved individuals accused or convicted of a range of criminal offences. These included assault, theft and driving under the influence.
“The State Department revoked visas from thousands of foreign nationals charged or convicted with crimes, including assault, theft, and driving under the influence,” Pigott said.
The administration attributed the rise in revocations to new screening and monitoring systems introduced during President Trump’s tenure.
“The State Department’s recently-launched Continuous Vetting Center works to ensure that all foreign nationals on American soil comply with our laws — and that the visas of those who pose a threat to American citizens are swiftly revoked,” Pigott said.
Unlike earlier systems that focused mainly on checks at the time of visa application or entry, the Continuous Vetting Center tracks visa holders after they arrive in the United States. Officials say this allows quicker action when individuals are charged with or convicted of crimes.
Pigott said the policy is part of a wider national security strategy.
“The Trump administration will continue to put America first and protect our nation from foreign nationals who pose a risk to public safety or national security,” he said.
The State Department did not release details on which countries were most affected, nor did it clarify how many of the revoked visas belonged to tourists, students or long-term residents.
The announcement comes amid ongoing debate in the US over immigration enforcement, border security and how to balance national security concerns with legal immigration pathways. Visa policy has become a central issue in both domestic and foreign policy discussions.
Visa revocation powers allow US authorities to cancel previously issued visas if holders are found ineligible or are considered a threat to public safety or national security.
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