US Tightens Visa Policy: Over 1 Lakh Visas Cancelled in a Year, Indians Face Increased Scrutiny

The United States has implemented a Notably stricter visa policy, resulting in the. Cancellation of over 100,000 visas in the past year, marking a new record. According to the US State Department, this unprecedented action reflects the administration's hardened immigration stance since President Donald Trump's return to the White House. The cancellations span various categories, including student, professional, and general tourist visas. Notably, a substantial number of cancellations have also occurred in special visa categories such as H-1B, L-1B, and O-1, causing considerable apprehension among holders of these specialized permits.

Policy Shift and Administrative Stance

The tightening of US visa policy is a direct outcome of the current administration's renewed focus on immigration enforcement, while with President Donald Trump back in the White House, there has been a clear emphasis on securing national borders and ensuring the safety of American citizens. This policy shift aims to remove individuals from the United States who have violated visa terms or engaged in criminal activities. The administration's rhetoric and actions consistently underscore that obtaining and maintaining a US visa is a privilege, not an inherent right, and that strict adherence to regulations is paramount. This strong enforcement strategy is designed to deter future violations and maintain the integrity of the US immigration system.

Primary Reasons for Visa Revocations

Deputy Spokesperson for the US State Department, Tommy Pigott, outlined the four most common reasons. For visa cancellations: overstaying the authorized period, driving under the influence (DUI), assault, and theft. These reasons highlight the dual focus of the US government's enforcement efforts: addressing both immigration rule violations and criminal conduct within the country. Pigott explicitly stated that the administration would continue its efforts to remove these offenders from the United States to ensure the safety and security of American citizens. This commitment reinforces the government's priority of protecting its populace from individuals who pose a risk or fail to comply with legal requirements.

Impact on Student and Special Visas

Among the cancelled visas, approximately 8,000 were student visas and 2,500 were special visas. This significant number raises serious concerns for students and professionals aspiring to study or work in the US. For special visa holders, nearly half of the cases involved driving under the influence (DUI), while the remaining instances included serious offenses such as assault, theft, child abuse, drug-related incidents, fraud, and corruption. These statistics underscore that visa holders must not only comply with immigration laws but also adhere to US federal and state laws and societal norms. Any involvement in criminal activity can lead to immediate visa revocation and subsequent deportation, impacting future travel and immigration prospects.

Growing Impact on Indian Nationals

The stringent US policy has had a profound effect on Indian students and professionals, while according to data provided by the Indian government, 3,155 Indian citizens have been deported from the US in 2025 alone. This figure represents a substantial increase compared to previous years, with 617 deportations in 2023 and 1,368 in 2024, while Plus, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has terminated 4,736 SEVIS records and cancelled over 300 Indian student visas, contributing to heightened anxiety and uncertainty within the Indian student community. This situation is a significant concern for thousands of Indian families who invest heavily in their children's higher education in the United States, now facing increased risks of disruption.

No Direct Ban, But Enhanced Scrutiny

It's important to note that India has not been placed on any travel restriction list. However, the US has intensified its screening and continuous monitoring for Indian nationals. Specifically, there has been increased scrutiny in H-1B and H-4 visa stamping processes within India. Also, the scope of online and social media reviews has been expanded, meaning that visa applicants and holders are subjected to more thorough background checks. This enhanced vigilance is aimed at ensuring that only individuals who fully comply with all rules and conditions, and who don't pose any security risks to the country, are granted entry and allowed to remain in the United States. This proactive approach seeks to mitigate potential issues before they arise.

Global Visa Review Initiative

The US State Department has announced plans to review approximately 55 million foreign citizens' visas by August 2025. This massive undertaking will impact millions of visa holders and applicants worldwide, while foreign Minister Marco Rubio has repeatedly emphasized that a US visa is a privilege, not a right. This statement underscores the US government's sovereign authority and discretion in issuing visas. It implies that individuals granted visas must understand that their permission to reside and work in the US is conditional and can be revoked at any time if they fail to adhere to the stipulated regulations. This initiative signals a comprehensive effort to reassess and validate the status of a vast number of foreign nationals.

Expert Warnings and Future Challenges

Experts are advising Indian students and professionals to exercise extreme caution and strictly adhere to all visa regulations. Any violation of rules could lead to severe consequences, including visa cancellation and deportation from the country. America's stringent policy has introduced a new set of challenges for visa holders. They must not only rigorously follow immigration laws but also respect the laws and social norms of American society. This situation serves as a critical reminder for Indian students and professionals to demonstrate utmost care and responsibility during their stay in the US. In the future, the visa application process may become even more complex, and applicants should be prepared for more intensive scrutiny. The tightened US visa policy marks a significant shift in the global immigration landscape, and its effects are expected to be felt for a considerable period. The Indian community must remain aware of these changes and adjust their plans accordingly.