The United States has revoked more than 175,000 visas issued to foreign nationals as the Donald Trump administration continues its tougher approach to immigration and visa enforcement.
According to a fact sheet released by the US State Department on Monday, August 10, most of the cancellations were linked to criminal activity, violations of visa conditions, fraud, incitement of violence and concerns related to national security.
The department said the cancellations were part of its routine screening process, which is intended to ensure that visa holders comply with US laws and do not pose a threat to Americans.
Five major reasons behind the visa cancellations
1. Criminal offenses
Criminal conduct was among the leading reasons for visa revocations. The State Department specifically cited offenses including assault, driving under the influence, theft and drug-related crimes.
Some of the cases involved serious allegations. One visa holder was accused of rape and sexual assault, while another faced allegations involving kidnapping and human trafficking. In another case, a person facing more than a dozen charges related to child sexual abuse material had their visa revoked.
2. Violating visa conditions
The US government has also been cancelling visas when foreign nationals are found to have breached the conditions attached to their visas.
Officials say holding a US visa is a privilege rather than an automatic legal right to remain in the country. Those who misuse that privilege can have their visas cancelled under US law.
3. Fraud and so-called birth tourism
Fraud was another major factor cited by the State Department.
A US embassy in North Africa reportedly cancelled more than 100 visas involving alleged “birth tourism.” The individuals were accused of travelling to the United States primarily to give birth so that their children could obtain US citizenship.
4. Incitement or celebration of violence
The administration has also targeted foreign nationals accused of encouraging or celebrating violence.
The State Department said several foreign nationals had their visas revoked after making comments celebrating the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The department treated such statements as grounds for action under its broader visa-screening policy.
5. National security concerns
Foreign nationals considered potential threats to US security or national security are also facing increased scrutiny.
The State Department said it would continue identifying and investigating individuals whose activities or backgrounds raise security concerns.
Part of a broader immigration crackdown
The large-scale visa cancellations come amid a broader tightening of US immigration policy since Trump returned to the White House last year.
The administration has increased screening of visa applicants and expanded scrutiny of applicants’ backgrounds and social-media activity. Supporters argue that stronger screening is necessary to protect national security and prevent visa abuse.
However, civil liberties and human rights advocates have criticized the expanded monitoring, arguing that excessive scrutiny of social-media activity could threaten freedom of expression and unfairly target immigrants.
The State Department previously said in January that it had already revoked more than 100,000 visas, which was then described as a record.
The latest figure represents a significant expansion of the administration’s visa enforcement campaign. US officials have made clear that the review process will continue and that foreign nationals considered a security risk or found to have violated US immigration rules may face further action.
