The US State Department has canceled over 100,000 visas in 2025, the highest number ever recorded in a single year. This is more than twice the roughly 40,000 revocations reported in 2024. Officials said the rise follows a January 2025 executive order by President Donald Trump. The order reinstated stricter foreign-vetting laws and expanded post-issuance checks. Visa cancellations cover several categories. About 8,000 student visas and 2,500 specialised work visas were revoked. These mostly involved visa holders with legal issues linked to criminal activity. However, most cancellations were business and tourist visas, especially for those who overstayed. A State Department spokesperson said, "Many student and worker visas were revoked following arrests or criminal charges." Others were canceled after enhanced screening. Among specialised workers, offenses included DUI, assault, theft, fraud, and drug cases. The surge comes with the launch of a "continuous vetting" system that reviews visa holders even after they enter the US. In August 2025, officials reviewed about 55 million foreign nationals holding valid US visas. The enforcement also revived the "public charge" rule. This rule lets officials deny or cancel visas if applicants might rely on public benefits. It looks at health, age, money, and English skills. The policy aims to improve public safety and national security, with reviews and revocations expected to continue. Universities, employers, and immigration groups have raised concerns about due process and the impact on students and workers. Earlier visa cancellations led to legal challenges and calls for clearer guidance. The State Department said further reviews will carry on into 2026 as strict vetting stays in place.