January 13, 2026 l By Stephen — Dalena Reporters
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States Department of State announced on Monday that it has revoked more than 100,000 visas, including thousands of international student permits and specialised worker authorisations, marking a dramatic escalation in its immigration enforcement efforts under the Trump administration.
The announcement, shared via an official post on the social media platform X on Monday, said that among the cancelled visas were approximately 8,000 held by students and 2,500 specialised professional visas. The revocations stem largely from documented encounters with U.S. law enforcement for criminal activity, according to the State Department statement.
In its terse declaration, the department said the measure was part of broader efforts to “strengthen public safety and enforce immigration laws,” and vowed to continue deportations of those whose visas were rescinded. “We will continue to deport these thugs to keep America safe,” the statement read, underscoring the administration’s hardline rhetoric.
The precise timeline for the revocations was not disclosed in the announcement, but officials indicated the actions represent a record increase from the previous year’s totals, more than doubling the visa cancellations recorded in 2024. Analysts note that these policies form part of an intensifying immigration crackdown that has drawn scrutiny from civil liberties advocates and academic institutions alike.
U.S. State Department Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott framed the crackdown as essential to national security, emphasising that the majority of revocations involved individuals who had been charged with or convicted of offences such as assault, driving under the influence (DUI), theft, and other public safety violations. Pigott also highlighted expanded vetting mechanisms, including a recently established Continuous Vetting Center designed to monitor and reassess the eligibility of foreign nationals already present in the United States.
Beyond criminal activity, the tougher enforcement posture has included enhanced social media screenings, aimed at identifying potential security concerns and scrutinising applicants’ expressed views a policy that has particularly affected international students and activists. Earlier measures in 2025 required applicants to make their social media accounts public during visa processing, prompting concerns about privacy and free speech implications among civil rights groups.
The revocation of thousands of student visas coincides with a broader debate on international educational exchange and cross-border mobility, as universities, advocacy organisations, and foreign governments grapple with the policy’s impact on global academic engagement. Some institutions have reported drops in international enrolments, while others warn that the aggressive approach could strain diplomatic and cultural ties.
Critics argue that while lawful enforcement of immigration laws is a legitimate government function, the scale and scope of the visa revocations raise questions about due process and proportionality. Advocacy groups have called for clearer guidelines and more transparent procedures to ensure that visa cancellations are based on substantiated evidence and respect civil liberties.
The U.S. State Department’s latest action illustrates a significant shift in immigration policy under the current administration, reflecting a broader strategy to prioritise domestic security concerns even as debates intensify over the balance between enforcement and international openness.