President Donald Trump’s administration has revoked approximately 80,000 non-immigrant visas since taking office, as reported by a senior State Department official. The revocations, which encompass a range of offenses such as driving under the influence, assault, and theft, reflect a significant immigration crackdown initiated by the administration. Notably, around 16,000 of these revocations were linked to DUI offenses, 12,000 to assault allegations, and about 8,000 to theft.
The administration has not only taken aggressive action in revoking visas but has also implemented stricter policies regarding the issuance of new visas. This includes enhanced social media scrutiny and expanded vetting processes for applicants. In August, it was confirmed that over 6,000 student visas had been revoked mainly due to overstays and violations of U.S. law, with some revocations cited as a response to social media comments perceived as threatening to national security.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio earlier indicated that hundreds of visas had been revoked for individuals whose activities were deemed contrary to U.S. foreign policy priorities. Additional directives from the State Department have urged diplomats to be cautious of visa applicants suspected of hostility towards the United States or those with political activism backgrounds. Controversially, Trump administration officials have claimed that student visa and green card holders could face deportation due to their pro-Palestinian views, which they argue threaten U.S. foreign relations.
Similar previous actions by the administration included a directive pausing new appointments for student and exchange visitor visa applicants while preparing for an expanded vetting process. Critics of these policies contend they infringe on free speech and threaten academic expression, especially concerning international students with differing views on U.S. foreign policy.
While the current situation appears grim due to stringent immigration policies, advocates maintain hope that ongoing discussions around immigration will highlight the importance of diversity and inclusivity in educational environments. The contributions made by international students bolster the cultural and academic richness of U.S. universities, underscoring the need for a welcoming approach despite the political climate.