The United States government has revoked more than 175,000 visas issued to foreign nationals under President Donald Trump’s administration, citing criminal activity, immigration violations and other security concerns.
The US Department of State disclosed this in a statement on Monday, saying the majority of the visa cancellations followed law enforcement encounters involving alleged criminal offences.
According to the department, some of the leading reasons included assault, driving under the influence, theft and drug-related offences.
Other cases involved allegations of reckless driving, sexual assault, child abuse, fraud, embezzlement and other crimes.
Serious Offences Among Cases
The State Department said its continuous vetting process is used to monitor visa holders and ensure they comply with the conditions attached to their visas.
It said some individuals whose visas were revoked had been charged with serious offences, including kidnapping, human trafficking, sexual exploitation of minors, child sexual abuse and domestic violence.
In one North African country, a US embassy reportedly revoked more than 100 visas belonging to parents accused of engaging in so-called “birth tourism” — travelling to the United States primarily to give birth so their children could obtain US citizenship.
The department also cited cases involving alleged drug-related driving offences, financial fraud and other criminal activities.
One foreign national was accused of helping organise a Medicaid fraud scheme involving more than $5 million in fraudulent billing, despite allegedly presenting himself as someone running a legitimate healthcare assistance business.
Another individual was accused of falsifying company revenue and forging documents to deceive investors and obtain a US visa.
Visas Revoked Over Security Concerns
The department also said some visa holders faced action over statements allegedly celebrating the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has separately determined that some foreign nationals were deportable on foreign policy grounds, according to the statement.
The cases cited included individuals allegedly linked to foreign government influence operations, as well as people accused of making threats or expressing support for violence against US officials.
The US State Department said it would continue its vetting operations and revoke visas belonging to foreign nationals it considers threats to public safety.
“A U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right,” the department said.
The latest action forms part of the Trump administration’s broader immigration enforcement approach, with US authorities warning that visa holders can lose their status if they violate immigration conditions or become involved in activities considered grounds for removal.
Source: US Department of State.
