The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed an unprecedented level of strictness in its visa policies this year. According to a CNN report published on Tuesday (December 9), more than 85,000 U.S. visas across all categories have been cancelled in less than a year. A senior State Department official, speaking anonymously, confirmed the figures, noting that the cancellations reflect a dramatic policy shift compared to previous years.
Visa Cancellations Double Compared to Biden Era
According to the State Department official, the number of visas cancelled from January 2025 to the present is more than double the number cancelled during the same period under President Joe Biden. Immigration control was one of Trump’s top priorities in his first term, and during his second term, the administration has returned to those policies with even greater intensity.
Crime-Related Allegations Behind Many Cancellations
Nearly half of the cancelled visas were associated with allegations of criminal activity. These include:
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Assault or physical altercation
- Theft
- Other criminal offenses
Officials claim that these allegations have played a significant role in their decisions to revoke visas, citing them as necessary measures for national security.
International Students Under Pressure: 10% of Cancellations
About 10 percent of those affected—more than 8,000 individuals—are international students. Many students argue that the decisions are politically motivated. Several have claimed that they were targeted due to their activism on university campuses, particularly regarding the Middle East conflict and criticism of Israeli policies.
A new executive order issued on January 29 states that foreign students involved in anti-Israel or allegedly “anti-Semitic” activities on campus could face deportation proceedings.
Accusations of Targeting Pro-Palestinian Students
Several student names have already surfaced in the media:
- Ranjani Srinivasan
- Rumeysa Ozturk
- Mahmoud Khalil (a lawful permanent resident)
Critics argue that penalizing students for political expression is a violation of the First Amendment, which protects free speech. Some students have taken legal action and successfully regained their visa status.
Increased Surveillance and Political Screening
The State Department reported that 6,000 visas were cancelled in August alone. The cited reasons include:
- Overstaying visa duration
- Theft
- Assault
- Driving under the influence
- Alleged support for terrorism
Since June, student visa applicants have been subjected to far more stringent political ideology screenings.
Upcoming Measures in the Trump Administration
The administration is also planning:
- Intensive background reviews of H1-B visa holders
- Re-interviews for refugees admitted under the Biden administration
- Expansion of the travel-ban list
Immigration Policy: Old Strategy, New Shape
The revised form of the “Muslim Travel Ban” from Trump’s first term remains in effect. The administration has also sharply reduced refugee admissions. Efforts are underway to revoke Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghan and Syrian nationals, though legal challenges continue.
Human Rights Concerns and Public Outcry
Human rights groups argue that:
- Punishing students for political speech undermines American democratic values.
- The visa cancellation process has become increasingly opaque.
- National security is being used as a pretext for intimidation and deportation policies.
As the controversy grows, the Trump administration continues to defend its stance, asserting that all actions are being taken in the interest of national safety and legal complianc
