Large-Scale Visa Cancellations Announced
The United States government has revoked around 80,000 visas belonging to foreign nationals as part of a sweeping immigration enforcement campaign launched under the Trump administration, senior U.S. officials confirmed this week.
According to the officials, the majority of these cancellations were linked to individuals found guilty of criminal activities such as assault, theft, and driving under the influence (DUI). The move marks one of the largest coordinated actions against visa holders in recent years.
Offenses Behind the Visa Revocations
Authorities detailed that 16,000 visas were revoked due to drunk driving-related offenses, while another 12,000 were cancelled in connection with violent crimes, including assault and domestic abuse.
In addition, approximately 6,000 visas held by foreign students were terminated in August after their academic or visa status expired or due to violations of visa regulations. Officials noted that these cases were identified through coordination between the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the State Department, which oversees visa issuance and cancellation.
Online Activity Also Under Scrutiny
Beyond criminal offenses, U.S. authorities also revoked six visas last month for individuals accused of posting inflammatory or extremist content on social media. Some of those individuals were reportedly linked to a series of hate-filled online posts that circulated after the attack on conservative political activist Charlie Kirk.
Officials stated that such online behavior can be considered a threat to public safety and national security, prompting swift action under existing immigration laws.
Officials Cite National Security Concerns
A senior DHS spokesperson said the visa revocation campaign aims to curb rising crime rates and protect national security. We are taking decisive action to ensure that individuals who violate U.S. laws or engage in behavior threatening public order are held accountable, the spokesperson said.
The campaign is expected to continue in the coming weeks, with further investigations and enforcement actions anticipated.
Broader Context
The move reflects the Trump administration’s tough stance on immigration, which has included tighter visa screenings and expanded deportation efforts.
According to data from the U.S. State Department, the United States issues over 10 million visas annually, including tourist, student, and work permits. Even so, revocation of such a large number — 80,000 within a short period — highlights a significant escalation in enforcement priorities.
Immigration rights groups have expressed concern that the policy could unfairly target foreign residents, particularly students and low-level offenders, while government officials insist it is part of a lawful effort to ensure compliance and safety.
As the campaign continues, observers say it will test the balance between security enforcement and civil liberties in the United States’ ongoing immigration debate.
