The United States has revoked more than 300,000 visas since Donald Trump returned to the White House in January 2025. The US State Department gave the figure on Tuesday. It had reported more than 175,000 visa revocations on August 10.
This means the number has risen by more than 125,000 in just over two months. The Trump administration says the action targets people who break US laws, commit fraud or pose national security risks.
State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said the government has taken a zero-tolerance approach to foreign nationals who break the law or threaten national security.
The changes affect more than people facing immigration enforcement. They also affect how foreign students, workers and other visa holders deal with the US visa system.
US Expands Social Media Checks
The US has also expanded checks on the online activity of visa applicants. From October 1, the State Department added more visa groups to its online review. These include foreign media workers and some professionals covered by the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
The US already checks online activity for several other visa groups.
These include F-1 and M-1 students, H-1B workers and J-1 exchange visitors. Applicants in these groups must make their social media profiles available for review.
The State Department says officers use this information to check whether an applicant may pose a risk to US safety or national security.
For international students and skilled workers, this adds another layer to the visa process.
Wider Impact on Foreign Applicants
Recent visa revocations have included foreign protesters and people whose social media posts drew the attention of US authorities, Reuters reported.
Rights groups have criticised the wider use of these powers. They say the policy could affect free speech and raise concerns about racial profiling. The administration rejects those concerns and says it is focused on law, fraud and national security.
The US has also introduced other changes that affect legal immigration. These include higher costs for some work visa routes.
The changes matter to international students, skilled workers, employers and education providers. They face a visa system with more checks and tighter rules than before.
The latest figures also show how quickly the policy has expanded. The State Department reported more than 175,000 visa revocations in August. By October, the figure had passed 300,000.
The administration is expected to continue its wider review of visa applicants and foreign nationals in the US.
Last modified: October 21, 2026
