By SUNTV Global Channel | January 12, 2026
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 major enforcement action linked to public safety and immigration control.
In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, the State Department disclosed that the revocations followed encounters with U.S. law enforcement for criminal-related activities.
“The State Department has now revoked over 100,000 visas, including about 8,000 student visas and 2,500 specialised visas for individuals who had encounters with U.S. law enforcement for criminal activity,” the department said.
U.S. authorities noted that the move is part of a broader effort to tighten immigration enforcement and protect public safety across the country.
Reinforcing its hardline posture, the department added:
“We will continue to deport these thugs to keep America safe.”
While the State Department did not release a detailed breakdown of the offences involved or the exact timeline of the visa cancellations, the announcement signals a significant escalation in the U.S. government’s ongoing crackdown on visa holders linked to criminal conduct.
This latest action follows earlier measures taken under the Trump administration. In August 2025, reports indicated that over 6,000 international student visas were revoked due to violations of U.S. law and overstaying, with authorities confirming that the majority of cases involved offences such as assault, driving under the influence (DUI), burglary, and alleged support for terrorism.
Earlier in 2025, the administration also temporarily suspended visa appointments for international students. When applications resumed in June, prospective students were required to make their social media accounts publicly accessible for enhanced screening.
U.S. officials said the additional vetting was aimed at identifying “any indications of hostility toward the citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles of the United States.”
The sweeping visa revocations have sparked fresh concerns among international students and foreign professionals, particularly those studying or working in the U.S. under temporary visa arrangements, as immigration enforcement continues to tighten.
— SUNTV Global Channel
