The United States Department of State has revoked more than 100,000 visas, including thousands issued to students and specialised professionals, as part of an intensified push to tighten domestic security and enforce immigration laws.
In a statement shared on X, the State Department said the revocations include approximately 8,000 student visas and 2,500 specialised visas. These visas were withdrawn from individuals who had encounters with US law enforcement linked to criminal activity.
🚨BREAKING: The State Department has now revoked over 100,000 visas, including some 8,000 student visas and 2,500 specialized visas for individuals who had encounters with U.S. law enforcement for criminal activity.
We will continue to deport these thugs to keep America safe. pic.twitter.com/wuHVltw1bV
— Department of State (@StateDept) January 12, 2026
“BREAKING: The State Department has now revoked over 100,000 visas, including some 8,000 student visas and 2,500 specialized visas for individuals who had encounters with U.S. law enforcement for criminal activity,” the department said in its post.
The department further underscored that visa revocations and deportations are being actively used as tools to protect national security. “We will continue to deport these thugs to keep America safe,” it added.
The move reflects the Trump administration’s broader efforts to strictly enforce immigration regulations and reinforce the message that foreign nationals must comply with all US laws while residing in the country. Officials have repeatedly stressed that visas are conditional and can be withdrawn if holders violate legal or behavioural standards.
In a related development, the US Embassy in India recently issued a warning to visa holders—particularly students—about the consequences of breaking American laws. In a post on X dated January 7, the embassy cautioned that any legal violations could result in visa cancellation and removal from the United States.
“Breaking U.S. laws can have serious consequences for your student visa. If you are arrested or violate any laws, your visa may be revoked, you may be deported, and you could be ineligible for future U.S. visas. Follow the rules and don’t jeopardize your travel. A U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right,” the embassy said.
The latest visa revocations come amid heightened scrutiny of immigration compliance, with US authorities signalling that enforcement measures will continue as part of efforts to maintain public safety and uphold the rule of law.
