# US administration visa revocation policy > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-administration-visa-revocation-policy > Updated: 2026-08-16T13:35:10.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2. The Trump administration has implemented a significant increase in visa revocations. While approximately 40,000 visas were revoked in 2024, the number rose to 100,000 in 2025, with recent data showing over 175,000 total revocations since the start of the second term in January 2025. The Department of State reports that most cancellations are linked to criminal allegations such as fraud, assault, theft, drug-related offenses, and driving under the influence. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has maintained that entry permits will be rescinded for those engaging in activities against United States national interests, asserting that a visa is a ‘privilege, not a right.’ However, the administration faces scrutiny regarding the use of these powers. Critics allege that revocations are being used as a political tool to target foreign journalists, lawmakers, and officials critical of the U.S. or its allies. High-profile revocations have reportedly included former Colombian President Gustavo Petro and Brazilian judge Alexandre de Moraes, as well as individuals involved in ‘birth tourism’ or political dissent. The policy has also significantly impacted the academic community, with over 8,000 student visas revoked. In response, 91 universities and the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration have filed an amicus curiae in the U.S. Court of Appeals, warning of the disruption and uncertainty caused to international students and research. ## Claims - The majority of visa revocations were due to criminal activity, including assault, DUI, theft, and drug crimes. (corroborated by 5 sources) - The U.S. government has revoked more than 175,000 visas since the start of Donald Trump's second term in January 2025. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that visas are a privilege, not a right. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The U.S. government maintains that a visa is a privilege, not a right. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Many visa cancellations have had a political background. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration and 91 universities filed an amicus curiae brief regarding the impact of visa revocations on students. (corroborated by 2 sources) - More than 8,000 student visas were revoked in 2025. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The State Department has revoked visas for political figures including Gustavo Petro and Alexandre de Moraes. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Secretary of State Marco Rubio has determined that certain foreign nationals are deportable on foreign policy grounds. (single source) - The Trump administration has established a task force to end birth tourism. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-16: U.S. Department of State revokes over 175,000 visas The Trump administration has revoked over 175,000 visas since early 2025, citing criminal activity and national security, while critics allege the policy is being weaponized against political figures and abroad 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/united-states-revokes-over-175000-visas ### 2026-08-14: Trump administration faces scrutiny over visa use and financial oversight The Trump administration is accused of using visa revocations to target foreign critics and rolling back Treasury rules that required shell companies to disclose owners, potentially aiding money laundering. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/trump-administration-faces-scrutiny-over-visa-use-and-financial-oversight --- Cite as: US administration visa revocation policy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-administration-visa-revocation-policy