The United States Department of State has disclosed that it has revoked more than 100,000 visas, including thousands granted to international students and specialised professionals, over links to criminal activity involving law enforcement encounters.
In a statement posted on X on Monday, the department said the revocations included about 8,000 student visas and 2,500 specialised visas issued to individuals who had been flagged for criminal-related incidents. Officials described the action as part of wider efforts to strengthen public safety and ensure strict enforcement of U.S. immigration laws.
Reaffirming its position, the department stated that it would continue to deport individuals involved in criminal activities in order to maintain national security. While no specific timeline or detailed categories of offences were provided, the announcement underscores the government’s ongoing clampdown on visa holders associated with unlawful conduct.
The development follows similar actions taken in August 2025, when over 6,000 international student visas were revoked for violations of U.S. law, including overstaying. At the time, the department told the BBC that most of the cases involved offences such as assault, driving under the influence, burglary, and links to terrorism.
Throughout 2025, the Trump administration intensified scrutiny of international students and visa applicants. Earlier in the year, visa appointments were temporarily suspended, and when processing resumed in June, applicants were required to make their social media accounts publicly accessible for enhanced screening. Authorities said profiles would be reviewed for any signs of hostility toward U.S. citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles.
