Washington, January 12, 2026 — The U.S. State Department announced on Monday that it has revoked more than 100,000 visas from foreign nationals since President Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20, 2025, marking a new record and a significant escalation in the administration's hardline immigration policies.
Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott highlighted the figure in statements to media outlets, including Anadolu Agency and Reuters, describing the revocations as a more than 150% increase compared to 2024, the final year of the Biden administration. Pigott noted that the total includes approximately 8,000 student visas and 2,500 specialized visas issued to individuals who had encounters with U.S. law enforcement involving criminal activity.
The leading causes cited for the revocations were overstays, driving under the influence (DUI), assault, and theft. Pigott emphasized that these actions align with the administration's "America First" agenda, aimed at protecting public safety and national security.
“The State Department's recently launched Continuous Vetting Center works to ensure that all foreign nationals on American soil comply with our laws — and that the visas of those who pose a threat to American citizens are swiftly revoked,” Pigott stated. “The Trump administration will continue to put America first and protect our nation from foreign nationals who pose a risk to public safety or national security.”
The Continuous Vetting Center represents a key component of the administration's expanded immigration enforcement strategy. Implemented earlier in 2025, the center conducts ongoing screening of visa holders using databases, law enforcement records, and other sources to identify potential violations post-entry. This shift from one-time vetting to continuous monitoring has been touted by officials as essential for maintaining compliance but has raised concerns among civil liberties advocates about overreach and due process.
The announcement comes as the administration pursues broader immigration curbs, including heightened scrutiny of international students, activists, and others perceived as critical of U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding Israel's military operations in Gaza. Critics argue that some revocations appear politically motivated, targeting individuals involved in pro-Palestinian advocacy on college campuses.
Notable cases illustrate the intersection of immigration enforcement and free speech concerns. Turkish PhD student Rumeysa Ozturk, a doctoral candidate at Tufts University, was arrested by plainclothes ICE agents in March 2025 near her off-campus apartment in Somerville, Massachusetts. The detention followed her co-authorship of an op-ed in The Tufts Daily criticizing the university's response to student resolutions on the Gaza conflict, which she described as acknowledging a "plausible genocide." Ozturk was held for weeks in a Louisiana facility before a federal judge ordered her release in May 2025, ruling that the action appeared retaliatory and lacked sufficient evidence beyond her protected speech. Tufts University confirmed her good standing and supported her return.
Similarly, Mahmoud Khalil, a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) and pro-Palestinian activist at Columbia University, faced detention and attempts to revoke his status after his prominent role in campus protests and negotiations during the 2024 Gaza-related encampments. Khalil, a recent graduate of Columbia's School of International and Public Affairs, was arrested in March 2025 and held until a judge ordered his release in June 2025. The government invoked an obscure provision of the 1952 Immigration and Nationality Act, alleging potential adverse foreign policy consequences, though critics viewed it as retaliation for his activism. Khalil, married to a U.S. citizen, challenged the revocation legally, highlighting broader concerns about using immigration tools to suppress dissent.
These incidents have fueled legal challenges and public debate over the balance between national security and constitutional protections. Immigration advocates and civil rights groups, including the ACLU, have condemned what they describe as an erosion of due process, particularly for visa holders exercising First Amendment rights. The administration maintains that revocations target only those who violate laws or pose genuine risks, with Pigott and other officials framing the policy as necessary to safeguard American communities.
The surge in revocations follows executive actions early in Trump's second term, including revived "public charge" rules, expanded social media vetting, and proposals for country-specific restrictions. The State Department has also intensified screening for new visa applications, contributing to the overall enforcement push.
Immigration experts note that while visa revocations are not new—previous administrations used them for criminal convictions or overstays—the scale and rhetoric under the current administration represent a marked shift. The figure of over 100,000 in less than a year has drawn comparisons to earlier crackdowns, with officials projecting continued momentum.
As legal battles over specific cases proceed and the Continuous Vetting Center expands, the policy's long-term impact on international education, diplomacy, and U.S. attractiveness to global talent remains under scrutiny. The administration's approach has sparked both support from those prioritizing stricter borders and criticism from those warning of chilling effects on free expression and academic exchange.
