In its latest move against illegal immigration, President Donald Trump’s administration has cancelled over 6,000 visas, according to the U.S. State Department.
This action follows a tragic incident in Florida where three people died after a semi-truck, driven by an undocumented immigrant, made an illegal U-turn and crashed into a minivan.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) identified the driver as Harjinder Singh, an Indian national living in the U.S. illegally. Despite his immigration status, he had obtained a commercial driver’s license from the California DMV.
DHS used the case to criticize Democratic leaders for being too lenient on immigration. “How many more innocent people have to die before Gavin Newsom stops playing games with public safety?” DHS wrote.
Who Was Affected
Out of the 6,000+ visas revoked, about 4,000 were linked to criminal activity, mainly assault, officials said. Other offenses included driving under the influence and burglary.
An additional 200 to 300 visas were cancelled due to concerns over terrorism. These cases were handled under a rule in the State Department’s Foreign Affairs Manual that lists ineligibility based on engaging in terrorist acts or having ties to terrorist groups.
Although the administration didn’t clearly define what they meant by “support for terrorism,” some student visa holders were reportedly targeted for showing support for Palestine.
Officials claim that student visa and green card holders could face deportation if their actions oppose U.S. foreign policy, especially those critical of Israel or seen as pro-Hamas. The government has labeled such protests a national security concern.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that he personally revoked hundreds, possibly thousands, of visas — including those of students — for engaging in activities he said went against U.S. foreign policy goals.
Why Students Were Targeted
Since Trump returned to office, his administration has taken a tough stance on student visas as part of its broader immigration crackdown.
This includes tighter checks on applicants’ social media and more extensive background screening.
Recent State Department orders have directed U.S. embassies to flag applicants who appear politically active or hostile toward the U.S. Officials are also instructed to watch for people who support terrorism or take part in antisemitic speech or violence.
President Trump has also accused elite U.S. universities of harboring antisemitism, especially after major student-led protests in support of Palestine during the Gaza conflict.
At one point, Trump froze investigations into Harvard and even threatened to strip the university of its tax-exempt status.
In response, some European countries boosted research grants to lure American students and academics.
Critics of Trump’s policy say it violates free speech rights protected under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
