The Trump administration has initiated a review of over 55 million foreign visa holders, with foreign students being a particular focus. Since January, 6,000 visas have been revoked. According to the State Department, visa cancellations are decided in cases of crime, security threats, terrorism, or violation of visa conditions.
Foreign Visa: The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has adopted a strict stance on visa and immigration policies. The State Department has reported that the status of over 55 million foreign nationals holding valid visas in the country is being reviewed. Since January 2025, 6,000 visas have been revoked, with a particular focus on foreign students. Visa revocations are being carried out in cases where ineligibility is found due to public safety concerns, crime, terrorism, or overstaying the visa period.
Under what circumstances can a visa be cancelled?
According to State Department officials, visa cancellations are occurring in cases involving overstaying in the United States, committing any type of crime, endangering public safety, engaging in or supporting terrorist activities. Additionally, individuals whose activities raise questions about American law and order or national security are also under scrutiny.
Special Focus on Student Visas
The government has emphasized the review of visas, particularly those of foreign students. Officials state that all student visa holders studying in the U.S. are being examined. Recent changes in regulations have also made it mandatory for visa applicants to provide information about their social media activities. The aim is to determine whether any applicant is associated with any suspicious or violent ideology.
Marco Rubio Takes a Strict Stance Against Opponents
Since assuming office in January alongside President Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has taken a strict stance against individuals involved in anti-Israel protests. He has initiated actions to revoke the visas of such individuals, invoking a lesser-known law against those who openly oppose American foreign policy. According to the State Department, the number of visas revoked since January is four times higher than during the same period under President Joe Biden's administration.
Rubio also stated that the administration has full authority to issue and revoke visas. This process does not require judicial review. This means that the government can revoke the visa of any visa holder at any time at its discretion. The administration claims that this step is being taken in the interest of national security and public welfare.
Judiciary Raises Questions on Strictness
However, the Trump administration has also faced setbacks from the courts amidst this strictness. In some high-profile cases, judges have challenged the government's decisions. For example, Mahmoud Khalil, a legal permanent resident of the U.S. who led pro-Palestine protests at Columbia University, was released by a court in June. Similarly, Rumeysa Ozturk, a Turkish student at Tufts University who wrote an article against Israel in the campus newspaper, was also released pending a hearing in May.
Trump Administration's Strictness
The State Department has not clarified whether all 55 million visa holders are under active investigation. However, officials have stated that regular reviews will remain a priority for the Trump administration. This could directly impact millions of foreign nationals, especially students and researchers, who have come to the United States for study or work.
