WASHINGTON:- The US State Department has announced the cancellation of 85,000 visas starting in January 2025 after tightening immigration rules and border security.

The State Department made the announcement via social media, emphasizing the Trump administration’s continued commitment to strict immigration oversight.

It was accompanied by a picture of President Donald Trump with the words “Make America Safe Again,” reinforcing the administration’s argument that strict visa regulations are central to national security efforts.

Explaining the tightening of the visa system, a senior official at the Department of Foreign Affairs has revealed that more than 8,000 of the visas that have been canceled are for students.

Media reported that most visas were canceled last year, citing officials who identified the reasons for crimes such as unsafe driving, theft and assault.

The department’s previous explanations have stated that visas were revoked for reasons including visa expiration and support for terrorism.

International students participating in protests related to the Gaza conflict have reportedly come under similar scrutiny.

It is said to be in line with the department’s plan outlined last August and to implement the objective of implementing a continuous screening system and monitoring for more than 55 million foreigners with valid US visas.

During President Donald Trump’s second term, the State Department has expanded its standards for reviewing visa applications and monitoring visa holders.

The administration has also increased scrutiny of H-1B applicants, a key program for US employers seeking specialized foreign talent.

The expanded visa cancellations, intensified vetting, and broader investigations illustrate the administration’s broader push to tighten immigration controls and crack down on violations among immigrants.