The US administration has revoked more than 100,000 foreign visas in 2025, marking a record-breaking enforcement milestone in President Donald Trump’s first year back in office following his second electoral victory. The figure more than doubles the 40,000 visas revoked in 2024, the final year of President Joe Biden’s administration, according to data released by the U.S. State Department.
The surge in revocations follows an executive order signed by President Trump on his first day back in the White House. State Department officials described the 2025 total as the highest number of visa revocations ever recorded.
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Trump revokes more than 100,000 visas in his first year back
Most of the revoked visas belonged to business and tourist travelers who overstayed their authorized period of stay. Enforcement actions also affected other categories.
Approximately 8,000 foreign students and 2,500 specialized workers lost their legal status during the year. A State Department spokesperson said that a majority of the students and workers whose visas were revoked had prior criminal encounters with law enforcement.
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Among specialized workers, roughly half of the revocations stemmed from arrests for driving under the influence. Another 30 percent were linked to assault, battery, or unlawful confinement charges. The remaining 20 percent involved offenses such as theft, child abuse, substance abuse and distribution, fraud, and embezzlement.
In August 2025, the administration announced a comprehensive review of all 55 million foreign nationals holding valid U.S. visas, signaling that the enforcement push would extend beyond isolated cases. State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Piggott said the administration would maintain its aggressive posture through a newly established “continuous vetting center”.
Republican officials have framed the policy as a necessary step to restore the rule of law, strengthen national security, and ensure that visa programs are not exploited. The White House has emphasized that the measures are intended to protect American communities while preserving legal pathways for those who follow U.S. law.
