US says more than 300,000 visas revoked under the Trump administration

The United States has revoked more than 300,000 visas issued to foreign nationals, the US Department of State said, claiming the pace exceeds that of any previous administration. The department said the action was taken against visa holders who had broken the law, committed fraud or were no longer eligible to hold a visa.

Key facts

• More than 300,000 visas revoked in the current administration, the State Department said on 20 October 2026
• Revocations passed 175,000 in August and stood at more than 100,000 in January
• More than 4,000 revocations were linked to birth tourism
• 25% were for assault and related crimes, 22% for driving under the influence
• The administration has also tightened social media vetting and expanded screening

Why were the visas revoked?

According to a State Department official, the vast majority of the revocations were due to criminal activity, public safety concerns, immigration violations, fraud or misrepresentation, or other information showing the person was no longer eligible for a visa.

Of the visas revoked, most were for criminal activity or other public safety concerns. Within that group, the official said, 25% were for assault and related crimes and 22% for driving under the influence. Theft accounted for 7%, and a further 7% were for substance abuse or distribution.

More than 4,000 of the revocations involved people who, in the official's words, engaged in or facilitated birth tourism. The department did not provide a full breakdown of the remaining cases.

How fast is the number rising?

The department reported more than 100,000 visa revocations in January, described as a record at the time. That figure had passed 175,000 by August, and has now exceeded 300,000.

Tommy Pigott, spokesman for the State Department, said on social media that the revocations targeted foreign nationals in the US on visas who had broken the law, committed fraud or posed threats to national security. "We have zero tolerance for foreigners here on visas who break the law, commit fraud or undermine our national security," he said.

The department told the news organisation that it would continue such action to keep US borders and the nation secure.

What else is changing for visa holders?

The administration has also adopted a stricter visa policy, tightening social media vetting and expanding screening. Rights advocates and experts have condemned the social media screening efforts, arguing that they threaten free speech and amount to surveillance and the singling out of immigrants.

What this means for travellers

The figures relate to visas already issued to foreign nationals, including people in the United States, and cover revocations rather than new application rules. The source does not state how individuals are notified of a revocation, what appeal or review process applies, or whether any specific nationality or visa category is targeted.

Travellers and visa holders should be aware that criminal activity, immigration violations and fraud are cited as grounds for losing a US visa, and that social media screening now forms part of the vetting process. No new fees, application steps or deadlines are announced in the statement.