The State Department says the Trump administration has revoked more than 300,000 US visas since January 2025. Spokesman Tommy Pigott announced the figure on X on October 20, 2026, saying the administration has “revoked more visas at a faster pace than any administration in history.”
The number shows US visa revocations speeding up. In August, the department put the total at over 175,000, and it reported more than 250,000 less than three weeks before the latest update. Officials call it enforcement against crime, fraud, and security threats, while rights groups say the crackdown has gone too far.
Quick Highlights : US Visa Revocations
- The State Department says over 300,000 visas have been revoked since Trump’s second term began in January 2025
- The total was over 175,000 on August 10 and over 250,000 less than three weeks before the latest announcement
- In January 2026, the figure stood above 100,000, including about 8,000 student visas
- Officials say most revocations involved criminal activity or public safety concerns
- The department cites 25% for assault and related crimes and 22% for driving under the influence
- More than 4,000 revocations were tied to birth tourism, according to the State Department
- Nationalities of those affected have not been broken out
What the State Department Announced
Pigott said the administration has “zero tolerance for foreigners here on visas who break the law, commit fraud, or undermine our national security.” The State Department added that it will continue to take action to keep the country secure.
The figure is cumulative, covering the whole second term. A department official gave a breakdown by reason, but the department has not published a full dataset by nationality, visa type, or whether the holder was in the US or abroad when the visa was revoked.
How Fast US Visa Revocations Are Growing
The trend line is steep. In January 2026, the department said it had revoked more than 100,000 visas, a record at the time. By August 10 the number was above 175,000, and by early October above 250,000. The latest figure passes 300,000.
| Date | Reported Total |
|---|---|
| January 2026 | Over 100,000 |
| August 10, 2026 | Over 175,000 |
| Early October 2026 | Over 250,000 |
| October 20, 2026 | Over 300,000 |
The jump of tens of thousands within a few weeks suggests a faster pace of reviews and revocations. The department has not explained what changed, though it has described a system of continuous vetting of visa holders.
Why Visas Are Being Revoked
According to the State Department, the majority of revocations involved criminal activity or other public safety concerns. Of the revoked visas, 25% were for assault and related crimes and 22% for driving under the influence. Other reported grounds include theft, drug offenses, and immigration fraud or misrepresentation.
More than 4,000 revocations were for people who engaged in or facilitated birth tourism, the department said. Some cases involve selected foreign-policy grounds, such as statements or activities the administration says support terrorism or undermine national security.
What a Revocation Means for a Visa Holder
A visa is a document that lets a person apply for entry to the US. Revoking it can block re-entry, and for someone already in the country it can lead to further consequences, such as status problems or removal proceedings, depending on the case. A visa revocation is separate from the end of a person’s authorized stay, which is governed by the I-94 record and by programs such as SEVIS for students.
That difference matters because some people learn of a revocation only when they try to travel or when an officer contacts them. Anyone who receives a notice should read it carefully and seek legal advice quickly.
Criticism From Rights Advocates
Rights advocates say the crackdown has violated due process and free speech rights and has created an unsafe environment, particularly for ethnic minorities, who have raised concerns about racial profiling. They argue that national security reasons have been used to target critics, and that isolated cases of fraud have been used to target broad immigrant communities, such as the Somali American community in Minnesota.
Among the revocations most criticized are those of pro-Palestinian foreign protesters demonstrating against Israel’s attacks on Gaza, and of foreigners over social media comments about the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Supporters of the administration say visa holders are guests who must obey US laws.
Social Media Screening and Vetting
The administration has tightened social media screening of immigrants and visa applicants. Applicants may be asked to disclose accounts, and posts can be reviewed as part of vetting. Rights groups raise concerns about chilling speech, while officials say screening helps identify threats.
For visa holders, the practical lesson is that public posts can be reviewed and used in decisions. People should think about what they publish and keep accounts accurate if disclosure is required.
Legal Immigration Is Getting Harder Too
While Trump campaigned in 2024 on stopping illegal immigration, his administration has also made legal immigration more difficult. It has imposed expensive fees for certain work visas, expanded travel restrictions, and tightened screening. A separate analysis found immigrant visa issuances fell by half in February 2026.
US visa revocations are one part of this wider picture, which includes the pace of new visas, the cost of applying, and scrutiny after arrival. Together they change the risk for students, workers, and families who depend on a US visa.
What Visa Holders Should Do Now
People in the US on temporary visas can take practical steps to reduce risk:
- Keep passports, I-94 records, visa documents, and approval notices in order
- Avoid arrests and traffic offenses, since even a driving-under-the-influence charge can trigger a review
- Check immigration status through official channels and report address changes as required
- Think carefully before posting on social media, especially on political topics
- Talk to an immigration attorney before international travel if there has been any police contact
- Respond promptly to any notice from the State Department, USCIS, or a school
Students should also stay in contact with their designated school official, since problems with status or records can matter even when a visa itself has not been revoked.
What To Watch Next
Several questions remain. The department has not provided a breakdown by nationality or visa type, so it is unclear how many students, workers, or visitors are affected. It is also unclear how many of the revocations were of visas held by people already in the US and how many were of visas held abroad.
Court challenges may test whether particular revocations, especially those based on speech, were lawful. Further updates from the State Department, which has announced new totals every few weeks, will show whether the pace continues to rise.
Key Takeaways On US Visa Revocations
US visa revocations have passed 300,000 under Trump’s second term, with the pace accelerating from 175,000 in August. The State Department says most involve crime or public safety, including assault and driving under the influence, plus more than 4,000 tied to birth tourism. Rights groups warn of due process, free speech, and racial profiling problems. Visa holders should keep documents in order, avoid legal trouble, and get legal advice quickly if they receive a notice.
FAQs : US Visa Revocations
How many US visas have been revoked under Trump’s second term?
The State Department says more than 300,000, according to an October 20, 2026 announcement.
Why are visas being revoked?
Officials say most revocations involve criminal activity or public safety concerns, including assault and driving under the influence, along with fraud and national security reasons.
Is the pace of US visa revocations increasing?
Yes. The total was over 175,000 in August and over 250,000 less than three weeks before the latest update.
Does a revoked visa mean I must leave the US immediately?
Not automatically. A revocation can block re-entry and may lead to status problems or removal proceedings, depending on the case, so you should seek legal advice.
Which nationalities are most affected?
The State Department has not published a breakdown by nationality or visa type.
Source : Reuters
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