Visa Revocations Surge Past 100,000 as Federal Enforcement Intensifies
Washington D.C., Tuesday, 13 January 2026.
Marking a record 150% increase since 2024, this enforcement surge targets regulatory violations, impacting thousands of students and skilled professionals while redefining entry eligibility standards.
Unprecedented Enforcement Metrics
On Monday, January 12, 2026, the State Department confirmed that the Trump administration has revoked over 100,000 visas since taking office in 2025 [3]. This figure represents a dramatic escalation in comparison to the previous administration; with only 40,000 visas revoked under President Biden in 2024, the current data reflects a 150% increase in revocations [2][3]. According to State Department Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott, the administration is prioritizing the removal of foreign nationals who pose safety risks, specifically citing those with criminal charges such as assault, theft, and driving under the influence [2]. The revocations include approximately 8,000 student visas and 2,500 specialized visas held by individuals who have had encounters with U.S. law enforcement [1][3].
The Mechanism of Continuous Vetting
This surge in revocations is underpinned by the operational launch of the Continuous Vetting Center, a specialized unit designed to ensure foreign nationals remain in compliance with U.S. laws throughout their stay [3]. As of August 2025, the State Department began applying this rigorous screening process to the entire pool of 55 million foreigners currently holding U.S. visas [2]. The administration has made it clear that this infrastructure is intended to swiftly revoke the travel documents of any individual deemed a threat, with officials emphasizing a policy to “put America first” [2]. This structural shift moves the immigration system from a reactive stance to a proactive monitoring model, significantly increasing the likelihood that minor infractions or legal entanglements will result in immediate visa cancellation [2][4].
Scrutiny on Higher Education and Specialized Labor
The education sector has faced particular scrutiny under these tightened protocols. Among the revocations, nearly 500 student visas were cancelled specifically due to drug possession and distribution charges [2]. Furthermore, political expression has become a factor in eligibility; the administration has stated that student visa holders and lawful permanent residents may face deportation for supporting Palestinians or criticizing Israel, with specific attention paid to those accused of pro-Hamas actions [3]. This crackdown has had a tangible demographic impact, particularly on Indian nationals, who saw a sharp decline in student visa issuance in 2025 due to stricter screening measures [1]. In response to these developments, India’s Ministry of External Affairs has formally raised concerns with Washington regarding the treatment of its citizens [1].
Economic Implications for Employers
Beyond individual revocations, the administration is reshaping the landscape for skilled labor and corporate immigration. On January 9, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) increased premium processing fees for H-1B and L visas from $2,805 to $2,965, signaling rising costs for employers [4]. Looking ahead, a new weighted selection system for H-1B visas is scheduled to take effect on February 27, 2026, which will prioritize higher-skilled and higher-paid positions [4]. This policy shift aligns with broader enforcement actions, such as the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations conducted in Minnesota on January 9, 2026, which indicate a move toward uniform nationwide enforcement standards [4]. With a stated target of over 10 million deportations across the President’s second term, businesses are being urged to rigorously track employee immigration status to mitigate compliance risks [2][4].