Trump administration revokes more than 100,000 visas amid immigration crackdown

The Trump administration revoked more than 100,000 visas last year, targeting students, workers, and residents as part of a broader immigration enforcement effort.

The U.S. State Department said on Monday that more than 100,000 foreign nationals had their visas revoked last year, setting a new record since Donald Trump returned to the White House.

Deputy spokesman Tommy Pigott said the number represents a 150% increase compared with 2024. The revocations included thousands of individuals charged or convicted of crimes such as assault, theft, and driving under the influence.

Among those affected were roughly 8,000 students, 2,500 skilled workers, and even some lawful permanent residents. Officials said some revocations targeted individuals who had expressed support for Palestinians or criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza, actions the administration described as potential threats to U.S. foreign policy.

Critics argue that these measures often sweep up individuals engaged in lawful political expression or activism, raising concerns about civil liberties and the balance between security and personal freedoms.

Pigott added that the State Department’s newly launched Continuous Vetting Center works to ensure that foreign nationals on American soil follow U.S. laws and that visas are revoked quickly for those deemed a risk to public safety or national security.

High-profile cases include Turkish PhD student Rumeysa Ozturk and Columbia University activist Mahmoud Khalil, both of whom were released after successfully challenging their visa revocations in court.

Legal experts say the record number of revocations highlights the tension between strict immigration enforcement and political freedoms, particularly for students, activists, and long-term residents.

The Trump administration has defended the crackdown, saying it is necessary to protect Americans and national security, signaling that strict enforcement will likely continue in the months ahead.

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