Trump Administration Cancels More Than 175,000 US Visas
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has revoked more than 175,000 visas held by foreign nationals, citing violations of immigration rules, criminal conduct and activities considered threats to public safety or national security.
The U.S. Department of State announced the latest figures on Monday, saying the cancellations followed an ongoing review of visa holders and their compliance with American laws.
According to the department, the largest number of revocations resulted from encounters with law enforcement authorities.
Criminal activity, assault, driving under the influence, theft and drug-related offences were among the leading reasons cited.
The State Department also said visas had been cancelled in cases involving allegations or convictions relating to child abuse, sexual offences, reckless driving, fraud, embezzlement and other criminal conduct.
The department said the cancellations formed part of its continuing vetting process, which it described as necessary to protect American communities and ensure that people who violate the conditions attached to their visas do not retain them.
In a fact sheet detailing some of the cases, the department cited foreign nationals who had faced charges involving serious crimes, including sexual offences, kidnapping, human trafficking, domestic violence and child exploitation.
Other cases involved allegations of possessing child sexual abuse material, while another foreign national who worked with young students was arrested over an alleged sexual assault.
The department also highlighted cases involving serious driving and drug-related offences, including a foreign national arrested while allegedly driving under the influence and possessing heroin.
In another case, a foreign national was accused of participating in a large-scale Medicaid fraud scheme involving more than $5 million in allegedly fraudulent claims.
The Trump administration has also taken action against some foreign nationals over conduct it said involved the celebration of the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The State Department said visa holders should understand that possession of a U.S. visa does not provide immunity from the consequences of violating American laws or the conditions attached to their immigration status.
The latest revocations underscore the administration’s broader immigration enforcement policy, which places greater emphasis on screening foreign nationals and removing immigration privileges from individuals deemed to have violated U.S. law or posed risks to public safety.
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