U.S. immigration levels drop significantly under Trump administration

U.S. immigration policy visa revocations immigrant visa issuance Trump administration visa restrictions

U.S. legal immigration has seen a significant decline following new policies implemented by the Trump administration. In February 2026, the Department of State issued approximately 26,000 immigrant visas, which is roughly half of the monthly average of 52,000 recorded prior to the administration taking office.

Regional impacts vary widely. Central Asia experienced a 99% drop in visa issuances, while Africa saw an 89% decline. Other notable decreases occurred in Eastern Europe (84%), the Middle East (81%), and Australia/Oceania (73%). Conversely, visa approvals for Canada and Mexico increased by 142% and 17%, respectively.

Specific national data shows South Korean immigrant visa issuances fell by 19% compared to the 2023-2024 average. China, Japan, and India also reported declines of 31%, 25%, and 16%. Non-immigrant visas for students and workers have decreased by 30% compared to the previous year.

Additionally, the administration has revoked over 300,000 visas since the start of the second term. These revocations were cited as consequences for criminal activity, threats to public safety, or immigration violations such as fraud. At least 4,000 revocations were linked to individuals involved in birth tourism.

Entities

Cato Institute · Donald Trump · New York Times · South Korea · U.S. Department of State · United States · United States Department of State · White House

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 4 SOURCES] Immigrant visa issuance in Central Asia saw a 99% decrease. www.topdigital.com.au · www.womennews.co.kr · tuoitre.vn · www.vietnamplus.vn
[● 4 SOURCES] The Cato Institute stated that the scale of legal immigration reduction is the largest since the Great Depression, excluding the COVID-19 pandemic. www.topdigital.com.au · www.womennews.co.kr · tuoitre.vn · www.vietnamplus.vn
[● 4 SOURCES] Tourism and business visas decreased by 25%. www.topdigital.com.au · www.womennews.co.kr · tuoitre.vn · www.vietnamplus.vn
[● 4 SOURCES] Immigrant visa issuance for South Koreans decreased by 19%, dropping from a monthly average of 420 in 2023-2024 to 340 in February. www.topdigital.com.au · www.womennews.co.kr · tuoitre.vn · www.vietnamplus.vn
[● 4 SOURCES] Immigrant visa issuance fell to half the monthly average of 52,000 seen before the Trump administration took office. www.topdigital.com.au · www.womennews.co.kr · tuoitre.vn · www.vietnamplus.vn
[● 4 SOURCES] Non-immigrant visas for students and workers decreased by 30% compared to the previous year. www.topdigital.com.au · www.womennews.co.kr · tuoitre.vn · www.vietnamplus.vn
[● 5 SOURCES] The U.S. Department of State issued approximately 26,000 immigrant visas in February. www.topdigital.com.au · www.womennews.co.kr · tuoitre.vn · www.vietnamplus.vn · chale.news
[● 5 SOURCES] Immigrant visa issuances increased by 142% for Canada and 17% for Mexico. www.topdigital.com.au · www.womennews.co.kr · tuoitre.vn · www.vietnamplus.vn · chale.news
[● 2 SOURCES] The Trump administration has revoked more than 300,000 visas since the start of the second term. offthepress.com · nypost.com
[● 2 SOURCES] In 2025, 25% of revoked visas were for assaults or related crimes and 22% were for driving under the influence. offthepress.com · nypost.com
[● 5 SOURCES] US visa approvals for African applicants have decreased by 89% since early 2026. chale.news · www.topdigital.com.au · www.womennews.co.kr · tuoitre.vn · www.vietnamplus.vn
[DISPUTED] At least 4,000 visas were revoked from individuals involved in or facilitating birth tourism. offthepress.com · nypost.com