The United States has revoked more than 300,000 visas during President Donald Trump's second term, according to the US Department of State, as the administration continues its stricter immigration enforcement policy.

The figure was announced by Mora Namdar, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs, who said on 20 October that more than 300,000 visas had been cancelled and that the number continued to rise.

Namdar shared a White House statement on social media highlighting the pace of visa cancellations under the Trump administration, which said the current rate was faster than previous administrations.

She urged visa holders to comply with US laws, warning that individuals who violate legal requirements could lose their privilege to travel to the United States.

Administration cites security and legal concerns

US State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the cancelled visas involved foreign nationals accused of activities including legal violations, fraud, or actions considered threats to national security.

The administration has defended the policy as part of its efforts to protect public safety, strengthen border controls and enforce immigration rules. Officials have described the approach as a zero-tolerance policy toward visa holders who break US laws or misuse the immigration system.

The number of revoked visas has increased sharply in recent months. The State Department had reported more than 175,000 visa cancellations in August 2026, before the figure later exceeded 300,000.

Social media screening and tighter controls

The Trump administration has also expanded security reviews for foreign nationals, including increased scrutiny of visa applications and social media activity.

Officials argue that enhanced screening measures are necessary to identify potential security threats and prevent abuse of the immigration system.

However, human rights organisations and immigration advocates have criticised some of the measures, arguing that broad enforcement policies could affect freedom of expression and due process protections.

Critics have particularly raised concerns over visa cancellations linked to individuals' public statements or social media activity, saying that national security justifications should not be used to restrict lawful expression.

The Trump administration maintains that the visa revocations are aimed at protecting national security and ensuring compliance with US immigration laws. The more than 300,000 cancellations mark one of the most extensive immigration enforcement actions of Trump's second term.(ILKHA)