By DAYO ADESULU
The United States Department of State has revoked more than 100,000 visas, including thousands issued to international students and specialised professionals, in what officials describe as a sweeping move to strengthen public safety and tighten immigration enforcement.
The announcement, made on Monday via the department’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, marks one of the largest single visa revocation actions in recent years and signals an intensified crackdown under the current U.S. immigration posture.
Thousands of Student and Specialised Visas Affected
According to the statement, the visa revocations cut across several categories, with about 8,000 student visas and 2,500 specialised professional visas already withdrawn.
“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 department stated.
While authorities did not publish a full breakdown of all affected visa classes, officials confirmed that the action targets foreign nationals who had recorded interactions with law enforcement agencies inside the United States.
Public Safety Cited as Core Reason
The State Department said the US State Department visa revocation exercise is part of broader efforts to protect Americans and ensure strict compliance with U.S. immigration laws.
Reinforcing its stance, the department used unusually strong language, declaring:
“We will continue to deport these thugs to keep America safe.”
Although no specific cases were mentioned, the wording underscores the administration’s hardline approach toward visa holders linked to criminal activity, regardless of their education or professional status.
No Timeline, Limited Details on Offences
Despite the scale of the action, U.S. authorities did not provide a clear timeline for when all the revocations occurred or whether more are expected in the coming weeks.
The department also declined to specify the exact categories of offences involved, stating only that those affected had encountered U.S. law enforcement.
However, immigration analysts say the lack of details may fuel anxiety among international students and foreign professionals currently living and studying in the United States.
Similar Action Reported in 2025
This is not the first time the State Department has taken such a step. In August 2025, SaharaReporters reported that the U.S. government revoked more than 6,000 international student visas due to violations of immigration laws and overstays.
At the time, the department confirmed to the BBC that the “vast majority” of the violations were linked to offences such as assault, driving under the influence (DUI), burglary, and in some cases, support for terrorism.
Those revocations formed part of the Trump administration’s wider immigration crackdown, which has continued to shape U.S. visa policy.
Trump Administration’s Tough Immigration Line
The latest US State Department visa revocation aligns with a series of strict immigration measures introduced earlier in 2025.
At one point, the administration paused visa appointment scheduling for international students, causing widespread concern across universities and foreign missions.
When visa processing resumed in June 2025, applicants were required to make their social media accounts public as part of enhanced vetting procedures.
According to U.S. officials, visa officers were instructed to screen online activity for “any indications of hostility toward the citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles of the United States.”
This policy sparked debate among civil liberties groups, who warned of potential privacy violations, while the government insisted it was necessary for national security.
Growing Anxiety Among International Students
The mass revocation has reignited fears among international students, many of whom rely on U.S. education pathways for long-term career development.
Education consultants say the lack of transparency surrounding visa cancellations makes it harder for students to assess their status or seek legal redress.
“This scale of action creates uncertainty. Even students with minor infractions may now feel at risk,” an immigration adviser said.
What Comes Next
Although the State Department insists the move is lawful and justified, analysts expect legal challenges and diplomatic concerns, especially from countries whose nationals make up a large portion of the affected visa holders.
For now, the US State Department visa revocation drive sends a clear message: visa privileges remain conditional, and any brush with law enforcement could have serious immigration consequences.
As global attention remains fixed on U.S. immigration policy, international students and foreign professionals are being urged to strictly comply with local laws and stay informed about policy changes that could affect their legal status.
#BreakingNews #USVisa #ImmigrationCrackdown #StudentVisas #USStateDepartment #InternationalStudents #GlobalNews
