The impact of a tougher immigration regime in the United States has become increasingly visible since President Donald Trump returned to the White House. According to the US State Department, more than 100,000 American visas have been cancelled over the past year, marking the highest annual number on record. The sweeping action has also led to the deportation of thousands of foreign nationals, including individuals holding previously valid visas.
The State Department said the move is part of a broader effort to strengthen national security and enforce law and order. Officials noted that the visa cancellation process has been made significantly more stringent than in previous years. Applications and existing visa statuses are now subject to enhanced background checks, monitoring of social media activity, and continuous verification even after entry into the United States.
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In a statement posted on social media platform X, the State Department said that the cancelled visas include nearly 8,000 student visas and around 2,500 visas issued under special categories. In these cases, visa holders were found to have links—direct or indirect—to investigations conducted by US law enforcement agencies. Authorities said individuals found violating US laws would be removed from the country to ensure public safety.
Officials said the primary reasons for visa cancellations include overstaying permitted durations, driving under the influence, assault, theft and other criminal activities. State Department deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott said visa cancellations in 2025 rose by nearly 150 per cent compared to 2024. Among special-category visas such as H-1B, L-1 and O-1, nearly half the cases were linked to arrests for drunk driving, while others involved charges such as assault, fraud, embezzlement, child abuse and drug-related offences.
According to a Fox News report, the US cancelled approximately 40,000 visas in 2024. The figure surged to a record level in 2025, with a large share of cancellations involving business and tourist visa holders who continued to stay in the country beyond their authorised period.
To tighten compliance further, the State Department has launched a new “continuous watch” mechanism. Under this system, the visa status of all foreign nationals residing in the US is reviewed on an ongoing basis. Officials said visas would be revoked immediately if individuals are deemed a threat to public safety or found in violation of immigration or criminal laws.
The tougher stance has also had a significant impact on Indian nationals. Data shared by the Indian government in Parliament shows that the US deported 3,155 Indian citizens until November 21, 2025. This marks a sharp increase compared to 617 deportations in 2023 and 1,368 in 2024. In addition, more than 300 Indian student visas have been cancelled since January 2025, triggering concern among students, parents and education consultants.
While India has not been placed on any official US travel ban list, increased scrutiny and surveillance have clearly affected Indian travellers and residents. The US State Department has said that as of August 2025, it is reviewing the status of nearly 55 million valid US visa holders as part of its expanded compliance drive.
Officials have also warned that participation in activities deemed harmful to US interests or public order could invite action, including visa revocation and deportation, even for individuals with long-term legal status. This has raised concerns among civil rights groups and immigration advocates, particularly in academic and professional communities.
Experts believe immigration enforcement could become even stricter in the coming months as the administration continues to prioritise border control and internal compliance. The developments mean that students, working professionals and tourists planning travel to the US may need to exercise greater caution and ensure full adherence to visa conditions to avoid legal trouble.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
