In a broad expansion of its hardline immigration agenda, the Trump administration has canceled about 80,000 non‑immigrant visas since taking office, a senior U.S. State Department official told reporters on Wednesday. The revocations form part of a wider enforcement push reshaping visa and removal practices across the country.

The cancellations cover a variety of offences and behaviours. The official said roughly 16,000 revocations were related to driving under the influence, 12,000 to assault, and 8,000 to theft — together representing nearly half of all cancellations.

“These three crimes alone have contributed significantly to this year’s visa revocations,” the State Department source said on condition of anonymity.

The totals underline the scale of an enforcement strategy launched soon after Trump assumed office. The policy reaches beyond undocumented migrants to include visa holders who authorities determine have violated U.S. laws or policies.

In August, the department disclosed that more than 6,000 student visas were canceled for overstays or other legal breaches, including a small number tied to alleged “support for terrorism.” Washington has also stepped up social media screening and tightened vetting criteria for applicants.

Officials confirmed last month that at least six people had their visas revoked after posting controversial social media comments about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said visa controls will continue to be used against those engaged in actions deemed “contrary to U.S. foreign policy interests,” citing public expressions of support for Palestine or critiques of Israel’s conduct in Gaza as examples.

Diplomats overseas have been instructed to monitor applicants for signs of political activism, with some activities labeled as national security risks. Critics warn the approach risks conflating law enforcement with political suppression and raises concerns about free speech and fair procedures.

As the administration presses its immigration agenda, the sheer number of canceled visas signals a sustained hardline posture that weaves domestic enforcement with Washington’s foreign policy priorities.