US Revokes Over 175,000 Visas Citing National Security and Criminal Conduct
The United States has announced the cancellation of over 175,000 visas issued to foreign nationals during the Trump administration. The US Department of State cited alleged violations of visa conditions, criminal conduct, and national security concerns as the primary reasons for these revocations. In a statement released on Monday, the department noted that most of the visa cancellations stemmed from law enforcement encounters involving criminal activities, including assault, driving under the influence, theft, and drug-related offenses.
Additional cancellations were linked to serious crimes such as reckless driving, sexual assault, child abuse, fraud, and embezzlement. The State Department emphasized that this action is part of its ongoing continuous-vetting program, which aims to ensure that visa holders comply with immigration rules and do not pose a threat to the United States.
Some individuals affected by the visa revocations had been charged with severe offenses, including felony rape, sexual battery, kidnapping, human trafficking, and domestic violence. The department also highlighted cases where a US embassy in North Africa revoked more than 100 visas issued to parents accused of engaging in "birth tourism," where individuals travel to the US primarily to give birth, thereby granting their children American citizenship.
Among the notable cases mentioned was a foreign national arrested for allegedly driving under the influence while possessing heroin and having a blood alcohol level more than three times the legal limit. Another case involved a foreign national who purportedly operated a legitimate healthcare-access business but was implicated in a Medicaid fraud scheme exceeding $5 million in fraudulent billing.
The department also referred to instances involving foreign nationals who allegedly celebrated the assassination of political figure Charlie Kirk, with some making statements that appeared to endorse or praise his death. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has determined that several foreign nationals are deportable on foreign-policy grounds, including a Cuban national linked to a communist regime influence operation and Iranian nationals with ties to the Iranian government.
The State Department reiterated its commitment to identifying, investigating, and revoking visas belonging to foreign nationals deemed threats to public safety. The department stated, "A U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right," and it will utilize all available measures to protect American communities from individuals who abuse the immigration system.
