WASHINGTON – The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has revoked more than 300,000 visas granted to foreign nationals since January 2025, according to data released by the U.S. Department of State on October 20, 2026. Washington says the sweeping cancellations are part of efforts to protect national security and enforce the law. However, human rights organizations argue that some of these decisions may infringe upon free speech and the right to a fair process.
The U.S. government says it is revoking visas at a faster pace than any previous administration, characterizing the moves as part of a broad tightening of immigration rules pursued by Donald Trump during his second term in the White House.
The latest figures also indicate a sharp acceleration in visa cancellations compared with previous months.
Over 125,000 Additional Visas Revoked in Two Months
As of August 10, 2026, the U.S. State Department had reported more than 175,000 visa cancellations since January 2025.
Less than two and a half months later, officials announced that the number had surpassed 300,000.
August 10, 2026
175,000+
Visas canceled since January 2025
October 20, 2026
300,000+
Visas canceled since January 2025
Source: U.S. Department of State. Numbers are cumulative and not only for the stated months.
The difference between the two updates amounts to at least 125,000 additional visas revoked, although the precise increase cannot be calculated because the department rounds its figures.
This pace confirms that the administration has significantly stepped up scrutiny of foreign nationals holding U.S. visas.
Why Are U.S. Visas Being Revoked?
The U.S. State Department cites criminal activity, violations of immigration terms, fraud, and possible security threats as the main reasons for the revocations.
In its August announcement, the department named violent acts, drunk driving, theft, and drug offenses among the most common problems.
The government also notes cases of visa system abuse and provision of false information.
State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott emphasized that the administration “will not tolerate foreigners who violate American law or endanger the country’s security.”
Crucially, the revocation of a visa is not in itself proof of a crime. Some decisions are based on immigration rules, administrative findings, or security assessments.
Social Media Under Review
The administration’s investigation of foreigners’ public statements has been especially controversial.
According to Reuters, U.S. authorities have even revoked visas of individuals who attended pro-Palestinian protests.
There have also been cases of foreign nationals losing their visas over social media comments related to the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Critics argue that such actions may interfere with freedom of expression.
The U.S. government maintains that it may consider security risks as part of the process for determining whether to allow a foreigner to enter the United States.
The debate is thus not only about migration but also the boundary between state security and individual rights.
Does Visa Revocation Mean Automatic Deportation?
No. Having a visa revoked and being deported are different legal procedures.
A visa usually allows its holder to apply to enter the United States. Permission to stay and the terms of that stay are determined separately.
If a person is outside the U.S., canceling a visa can prevent further travel to the country using that document.
If someone is already in the U.S., what happens depends on their particular immigration status and further legal decisions.
The figure of more than 300,000 canceled visas should not be confused with the number of people actually deported.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration has also pushed for faster expulsion of foreigners.
As previously reported by Aktualizovane.sk, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration more leeway to deport migrants to third countries.
Critics Warn of Possible Rights Violations
Human rights groups caution that a tougher immigration policy can also affect individuals who have not been convicted of any crime.
According to Reuters, they criticize in particular the lack of procedural safeguards, the vetting of political statements, and what they say is a disproportionate focus on some communities.
Concerns about racial or ethnic profiling have also been raised.
These are objections voiced by critics of the administration’s policy. The State Department, for its part, insists its approach is meant to safeguard security and ensure respect for U.S. law.
The exact number of challenged or court-overturned revocation decisions from the latest summary is unknown.
Trump Tightens Rules on Legal Immigration Too
During his election campaign, the president focused primarily on stopping illegal migration.
After returning to the White House, however, his administration has also introduced stricter measures for legal routes into the country.
This includes more rigorous screening of applicants, scrutiny of public online activity, and higher fees for certain work visas.
Such changes can affect foreign workers, entrepreneurs, students, and those planning to stay in the U.S. long-term.
Still, not every U.S. visa holder is automatically at risk of cancellation. Each decision depends on the specific circumstances and the rules in place for that visa category.
European States Also Tighten Immigration Policies
The United States is not the only country to toughen its immigration policy in recent times.
Similar debates are taking place in Europe, though legal systems and policy tools differ greatly.
Aktualizovane.sk has reported, for example, that Austria has tightened its migration policy and recorded more than 38,000 departures and expulsions since 2024.
However, Austrian statistics refer to returns and expulsions, not visa revocations, so they cannot be directly compared to the U.S. figures.
What Do the New Rules Mean for Foreigners?
For those who already have a U.S. visa or plan to apply for one, the stricter policy means they need to pay closer attention to the conditions required to retain it.
A visa can be revoked even before its listed expiration date.
Before traveling to the U.S., it is advisable to check the current status of documents with the relevant U.S. consulate or official authorities.
The consequences of a visa revocation depend on whether the individual is in the U.S. or abroad at the time.
The latest U.S. State Department data indicate a significant acceleration in Trump’s immigration policy. It remains unsettled how the government will balance its security objectives with the rights of individuals as the policy is implemented.
Source: Kronen Zeitung, Reuters, U.S. Department of State.
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This article was translated from the original Slovak version with the assistance of AI.
