The United States has stepped up its visa enforcement efforts this year. A senior State Department official said the government revoked 85,000 visas across several categories. The figure includes more than 8,000 student visas, which is over twice last year’s number.
The official said the action aims to protect American communities from public-safety threats. Many revocations stem from DUIs, assaults, and thefts. These offences together account for nearly half of all cases. “These individuals pose a direct risk to our communities,” the official said.
The administration has tightened its vetting posture, especially for applicants from high-risk regions. Afghanistan remains a major concern after the 2021 military withdrawal. The official said the government wants strong checks before approving any applicant. “We will take the time required,” the official said. “We will issue no visa until we are sure the applicant is safe.”
The official also addressed concerns about visa decisions linked to fact-checking or online content moderation. The Trump administration introduced restrictions in May for foreign nationals who censor Americans. However, officers still review each case as a whole and avoid judging candidates on a single factor.
US immigration policy continues to evolve as security conditions shift worldwide, and this year’s revocations reflect that broader focus on safety.
