Post by : Rameen Ariff

The United States has cancelled a total of 85,000 visas this year across multiple categories, including over 8,000 student visas, as part of an intensified effort to protect public safety and ensure that only eligible individuals are allowed to enter the country. A senior State Department official confirmed the figures, describing this as one of the most comprehensive visa-screening initiatives in recent years.

The official explained that many of the cancellations were linked to incidents such as drunk driving (DUIs), assaults, and theft, which together accounted for nearly half of all revoked visas. “These are individuals who pose a direct threat to our communities’ safety, and we do not want them in our country,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The revocations reflect a broader push to tighten oversight on applicants from high-risk regions, including Afghanistan, following the US military withdrawal in 2021.

Student visas formed a significant part of the revocations, with more than 8,000 being cancelled—over double the number last year. The State Department has previously cited other factors for visa cancellations, including visa expirations, suspected support for terrorism, and concerns over applicants holding hostile views toward the United States. Officials have also focused on international students involved in protests, especially those opposing the war in Gaza, with some flagged for antisemitism or supporting extremist ideologies.

Questions about the impact of social-media and civil-society work on visa eligibility were also raised. The official clarified that activities such as fact-checking or content moderation do not automatically lead to visa denial. “Freedom of speech is a core American value, and the administration is ensuring that Americans are protected from foreign nationals who attempt to censor them,” the official said. Visa decisions are made based on the “totality of circumstances,” with consular officers reviewing each applicant’s background comprehensively before determining eligibility.

The crackdown underscores the administration’s commitment to maintaining strict security checks. No visa will be issued until all vetting procedures are fully completed, even if it takes additional time. “We will take as much time as needed. A visa will only be granted when we are certain the applicant does not pose a risk to Americans’ safety and security,” the official added.

The State Department has also announced plans for continuous vetting of all foreign nationals currently holding valid US visas, estimated to be over 55 million individuals. As part of this process, applicants may be required to maintain public social media profiles to ensure transparency and facilitate security checks.

The scale of this year’s visa cancellations highlights the United States’ ongoing focus on national security and public safety, particularly amid evolving global threats. With 85,000 visas revoked, including thousands of student permits, Washington is signalling its determination to strictly enforce immigration rules and safeguard its communities from potential risks.

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