WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a defining demonstration of its "America First" national security doctrine, the U.S. Department of State announced on November 6, 2025, that it has revoked 80,000 foreign visas year-to-date.
The department stated the action was a necessary step under the Trump administration's stringent policies to "eliminate potential threats" and ensure that "America welcomes only those who respect U.S. law."
In an official statement posted on the social media platform X, the State Department was unequivocal: "President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio will always put the safety and interests of the American people first."
The revocations, which apply to non-immigrant visas categories including tourists, students, and temporary workers—were actioned for a range of causes. These include supporting or engaging in terrorism, criminal conduct, public safety threats, and visa overstays.
State Department Principal Spokesman Tommy Pigott affirmed this hardline stance on November 5, stating, "The Trump administration will not hesitate to revoke the visa of any foreign national who violates U.S. law or threatens U.S. security."
A "Zero-Tolerance" Approach to Crime
Highlighting the focus on criminal behavior, internal data reveals a breakdown of the visa cancellations since the start of 2025:
16,000 revocations related to Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
12,000 revocations linked to assault charges.
8,000 revocations for theft-related offenses.
This data underscores a zero-tolerance policy for foreign nationals who commit crimes on U.S. soil, treating such violations as grounds for immediate removal of entry privileges.
Case in Point: The Charlie Kirk Assassination Response
The administration's policy was recently applied in a high-profile case following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, who was shot and killed at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025.
On October 14, the State Department announced it had revoked the visas of six foreign nationals originating from South Africa, Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Mexico, and Paraguay who had publicly mocked the killing and insulted grieving Americans.
One of the individuals, a South African national, reportedly posted: "Americans crying over a racist who didn't get to be a martyr."
The State Department's response was swift and severe.
"The United States is under no obligation to host foreign nationals who wish death upon Americans," the agency declared. "This administration will continue to identify and revoke the visas of anyone celebrating this brutal assassination."
A "New Era" of Vetting: Issuances Down Sharply
Beyond revocations, the administration has also significantly curtailed the issuance of new visas, marking a clear statistical shift from the previous Biden administration.
Official data for May 2025 shows a dramatic reduction:
Non-Immigrant Visas: 897,937 were issued in May 2025. This is a 16.2% decrease from the 1,070,656 visas issued in May 2024.
Immigrant Visas: 46,751 were issued in May 2025, marking a 20.4% decrease from the 58,778 issued in May 2024.
Observers note that under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Rubio, the State Department has re-centered the visa process on national security, effectively ending what one official called the "unconditional open-door" policies of the prior administration.
National security experts have called the move a "turning point" in restoring U.S. sovereignty.
As one senior State Department official, speaking to Breitbart News, summarized the administration's new doctrine: "The message is clear: if you come to the United States to study, work, and contribute, we welcome you; but if you violate our laws, support terrorism, or insult Americans, you will be removed immediately."
The Trump-Rubio policy reinforces a clear principle: a U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right.
(Sources: U.S. Department of State, The Epoch Times, Breitbart News, Truth Social)