US revokes over 175,000 visas under Trump administration
The United States has revoked more than 175,000 visas issued to foreign nationals under President Donald Trump’s administration, citing criminal offences, immigration violations, fraud and national security concerns.
The US Department of State said most of the visa cancellations followed encounters with law enforcement involving offences such as assault, driving under the influence, theft and drug-related crimes.
Other cases included reckless driving, sexual assault, child abuse, fraud and embezzlement.
The department said the revocations followed ongoing vetting of visa holders to ensure they continue to meet the conditions attached to their visas and do not pose a threat to Americans.
Some foreigners also lost their visas over alleged involvement in illegal birth-tourism schemes, in which individuals travel to the United States primarily to give birth so their children can obtain American citizenship.
The State Department highlighted several cases involving serious allegations, including rape, kidnapping, human trafficking, sexual exploitation of minors, child sexual abuse material offences and domestic violence.
In one case, a foreign national was reportedly arrested while driving with heroin and a blood alcohol level more than three times the legal limit.
The department also said some visas were revoked after foreign nationals allegedly celebrated the assassination of US conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Other cases involved alleged financial crimes. One foreign national was accused of helping organise a Medicaid fraud scheme involving more than $5 million in fake claims, while another allegedly falsified business records and forged documents to obtain a visa after defrauding investors.
More than 100 visas were also reportedly revoked by a US embassy in North Africa in cases involving parents accused of travelling to America for birth tourism.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said some foreign nationals could also be deportable on foreign-policy grounds, including individuals allegedly linked to the Cuban and Iranian governments and others accused of expressing support for violence against the US president.
The State Department said it would continue identifying and revoking visas belonging to foreigners who violate US immigration rules or pose risks to national security.
The department reiterated that a US visa is a privilege, not a right.
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