U.S. Revokes 85,000 Visas Amid Immigration Crackdown

Washington, D.C. — The U.S. State Department confirmed that since January, the Trump administration has revoked more than 85,000 visas, more than double the number recorded during the same period last year. Officials say the move reflects a tougher stance on immigration and national security.

Student Visas Targeted

Among the cancellations are over 8,000 visas held by international students enrolled in American universities. Nearly half of the revocations were linked to legal violations, including driving under the influence, assault, and theft. The government has not detailed the reasons behind the other half, but reminded that support for terrorism remains grounds for visa termination.

Civil Rights Concerns

Civil rights organizations argue the policy may infringe on the First Amendment, pointing to cases where foreign students involved in pro-Palestinian protests or demonstrations labeled as “extremist” had their visas canceled.
"This raises serious questions about freedom of speech and political expression," said Laura Martinez, a constitutional law expert at Georgetown University. "Targeting students for their political activity risks undermining America’s democratic values."

Administration’s Defense

In April, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, standing alongside President Donald Trump at the White House, defended the tougher rules.
"A student visa is like inviting someone into my home. If they come in and make a mess on my couch, I’ll send them out. And that’s exactly what we’re doing with our country," Rubio declared.

Immigration analysts note that the administration’s approach reflects a broader effort to deter unlawful behavior among foreign nationals. "The scale of revocations is unprecedented," said Dr. Samuel Greene, an immigration policy researcher. "It signals a shift toward using visa status as a tool of enforcement, not just entry."