The Trump administration has revoked close to 80,000 non-immigrant visas since taking office on January 20, in one of the largest visa crackdowns in recent US history.
A senior State Department official confirmed that the cancellations affected tourists, students, and temporary workers, with many linked to criminal or political concerns.
About 16,000 visas were revoked over drunk-driving cases, 12,000 for assault, and 8,000 for theft — almost half of all cancellations this year. “These three crimes alone account for nearly 50 percent of the revocations,” the official said.
The move underscores President Donald Trump’s intensified stance on immigration and national security.
His administration has expanded visa vetting to include social media reviews and scrutiny of applicants’ political affiliations and online activities.
Political Activity and Social Media Under Watch
In August, the State Department confirmed the cancellation of more than 6,000 student visas tied to overstaying, breaking US laws, or suspected links to extremist networks. Some were allegedly revoked for “supporting terrorism.”
Last month, US officials revealed that six individuals lost their visas after posting celebratory comments online about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio disclosed that hundreds, and possibly thousands, of other visas had been withdrawn due to involvement in activities considered contrary to US foreign-policy interests.
Diplomatic cables issued earlier this year directed US embassies to monitor visa holders and applicants with a record of anti-US activism, including criticism of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza or open support for Palestinians.
Officials said such activities could signal “foreign-policy risks” or “pro-Hamas sympathies.”
Civil-rights advocates warn that the policy risks turning US visa enforcement into a political weapon. Groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) have criticised the move as ideological discrimination that violates free-speech rights.
Supporters, however, argue that the visa reviews are long overdue and essential to prevent potential threats.
But how far can Washington go in policing political opinion before it begins to erode the same freedoms it claims to protect?
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