JANUARY 13, 2026 — The United States has just revoked more than 100,000 visas since Donald Trump returned to the White House last year — a staggering figure that the State Department itself calls a record. For many Filipinos, this isn’t just another headline from Washington. It’s a warning and a wake-up call.

According to the State Department, the revocations include 8,000 student visas and 2,500 specialized visas. Deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott explained that the top reasons were overstays, driving under the influence, assault, and theft. He added that the crackdown represents a 150% increase compared to 2024. 

That’s not just numbers — it’s lives disrupted, dreams cut short, and families suddenly thrown into uncertainty.

The thing is, the administration isn’t stopping at criminal offenses. Officials have openly said that even lawful permanent residents and student visa holders could face deportation if they show support for Palestinians or criticize Israel’s actions in Gaza. Imagine that — political activism, even peaceful dissent, now being treated as grounds for deportation.

So what does this mean for Filipinos in America? We know our kababayans are among the most hardworking migrants, many juggling two or three jobs, sending remittances back home, and raising families in communities across California, New York, and beyond. Will they now have to worry that a minor infraction — or even a Facebook post — could put their status at risk?

The State Department has even launched a Continuous Vetting Center, promising to swiftly revoke visas of those deemed a “threat.” But who decides what counts as a threat? And how far will this definition stretch?

For Filipino students chasing their American dream, this policy could mean stricter scrutiny, longer waits, and the constant fear of being sent home. For overseas workers, it could mean instability in jobs they’ve held for years. And for families, it could mean separation at the drop of a hat.

What would you do if your hard-earned visa, your ticket to a better life, could be revoked tomorrow without warning?

(Image: US Visa Help)