US revokes over 175,000 visas under Trump over crimes, security threats

The United States has revoked more than 175,000 visas issued to foreign nationals under the administration of President Donald Trump, citing criminal offences, visa violations and security concerns.

The US Department of State disclosed this in a statement, saying most of the visa revocations followed law enforcement encounters involving criminal activity.

It listed assault, driving under the influence, theft and drug-related offences among the leading reasons for the cancellations.

The department also said visas had been revoked over reckless driving, sexual assault, child abuse, fraud, embezzlement and other crimes.

According to the State Department, the revocations were carried out as part of its continuous vetting process aimed at ensuring that visa holders comply with the terms of their visas and do not pose threats to Americans.

It said some of the individuals whose visas were revoked had been charged with serious offences, including felony rape and sexual battery, kidnapping, human trafficking, sexual exploitation of minors, child sexual abuse and domestic violence.

The department also disclosed that a US embassy in North Africa revoked more than 100 visas issued to parents allegedly involved in “birth tourism” — travelling to the United States primarily to give birth so their children could obtain US citizenship.

Other cases involved a foreign national who was allegedly arrested for driving while in possession of heroin and with a blood alcohol level more than three times the legal limit.

The State Department also cited cases involving alleged fraud and financial crimes.

In one case, a foreign national who claimed to operate a legitimate business helping vulnerable patients access healthcare was allegedly involved in a Medicaid fraud scheme involving more than $5 million in fraudulent billing.

Another foreign national was accused of fabricating company revenue and forging letters to deceive investors and fraudulently obtain a US visa.

Visas Revoked Over Political Statements

The department also cited cases involving foreign nationals who allegedly celebrated or appeared to endorse the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

It said Secretary of State Marco Rubio had additionally determined that several foreign nationals were deportable on foreign policy grounds.

Those cases include a Cuban national allegedly linked to an influence operation connected to Cuba’s communist regime, Iranian nationals with alleged links to the Iranian government, a Laotian child sex offender pardoned by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and a Kuwaiti national accused of expressing a desire for violence against the US President and referring to Americans as his “enemy.”

The State Department said it would continue to identify, investigate and revoke the visas of foreign nationals considered threats to public safety or national security.

“A U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right,” the department said.

It added that the US government would continue to use available measures to protect American communities from individuals who abuse the immigration system.