Of the cancelled visas, over 8,000 were held by international students, while almost half of the revocations were linked to offenses such as drunk driving, theft, and assault. Other reasons cited included visa expiry, involvement in investigations related to terrorism, and participation in politically sensitive activities. In October, visas were also revoked for individuals accused of celebrating the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Authorities have reportedly increased scrutiny on students and visitors connected to protests related to the Gaza conflict. The State Department’s post included an image of President Trump with the slogan “Make America Safe Again,” reflecting the administration’s hardline approach.
In August 2025, the department announced the rollout of a continuous screening system for more than 55 million foreigners holding valid U.S. visas. This system is designed to monitor compliance throughout their stay. H-1B visa applications are now subject to stricter checks, including mandatory public visibility of social media accounts. Officials can review applicants’ posts and online activity, and visas may be denied if content is deemed contrary to U.S. interests. This requirement also applies to H-1B dependents on H-4 visas and will take effect from December 15, 2025. Student and visitor visas have already been subject to similar social media checks since August.
The new measures are part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to reinforce visa enforcement and prevent misuse of U.S. immigration privileges. Analysts note that these policies could significantly affect students, skilled workers, and tourists, while marking a departure from previous, more lenient visa oversight practices.
