The United States Department of State has officially confirmed the revocation of more than 100,000 visas since President Donald Trump assumed office nearly one year ago. This significant figure, announced through the Department’s social media channels on Monday, includes approximately 8,000 student visas and 2,500 specialized visas belonging to individuals who had encounters with U.S. law enforcement for criminal activities.
The Department emphasized its commitment to national security, stating, “We will continue to deport these thugs to keep America safe.” This declaration aligns with President Trump’s reinforced stance during a recent address at the Detroit Economic Club, where he asserted that any naturalized citizens convicted of defrauding American citizens would face citizenship revocation, explicitly mentioning Somali citizens and individuals from “anywhere else.”
According to a CNN report from December 8th, the State Department had previously revoked 85,000 visas, indicating that an additional 15,000 visas were canceled in just over a month. The targeting of both legal and illegal immigrants has become a cornerstone policy of Trump’s second term, manifesting through increased deportations, visa cancellations, and the implementation of stricter regulations and more extensive vetting procedures for U.S. visa applicants.
This aggressive immigration policy has ignited national controversy, particularly following the January 7th shooting death of Renee Nicole Good, a U.S. citizen and mother of three, by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer during a crackdown in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
In a statement to Middle East Eye, Tommy Pigott, Principal Deputy Spokesperson at the U.S. State Department, elaborated that the administration has revoked visas from thousands of foreign nationals charged or convicted of crimes, including assault, theft, and driving under the influence. Pigott also highlighted the recent launch of the “Continuous Vetting Center,” an initiative designed to ensure compliance with U.S. laws and swiftly revoke visas of those deemed a threat.
This center subjects all 55 million individuals holding valid U.S. visas to ongoing review, encompassing scrutiny of social media activity and potential deportation for violations. While this expansion signifies an escalation in the surveillance of legal immigrants, some legal experts question the efficacy and limitations of technological systems tasked with monitoring such a vast population.
Notably, the crackdown has extended to international students engaged in campus activism, particularly concerning Israel’s military actions in Gaza. An executive order signed on January 29th labeled such “alien students” as antisemitic, authorizing actions for their removal. Students like Ranjani Srinivasan, Rumeysa Ozturk, and permanent legal resident Mahmoud Khalil have been targeted for their pro-Palestinian advocacy. Critics argue that deportation for expressing political opinions violates the First Amendment, and several students have successfully challenged these actions.
The scope of scrutiny is not limited to those already in the country. Since June, prospective student visa applicants have faced increased examination of their political views. Further measures include plans for enhanced vetting of H1-B visa holders, re-interviewing refugees admitted under the previous administration, and expanding the list of countries subject to full or partial travel bans, which now totals 39 nations.
Additional policies involve increased H-1B visa fees to deter foreign workers, a refined iteration of the so-called “Muslim ban,” a drastic reduction in refugee admissions, and attempts to revoke Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for citizens from nations like Afghanistan, Syria, Haiti, and Somalia. Consequently, the number of people entering through U.S. borders has dropped precipitously.