U.S. Revokes More Than 175,000 Visas, Targeting 10 Categories of Foreign Nationals

The United States Department of State has revoked more than 175,000 visas under President Donald Trump as part of an intensified immigration enforcement campaign targeting foreign nationals accused of violating U.S. immigration laws, committing crimes, or posing risks to public safety and national security.

According to the State Department, most of the visa cancellations followed encounters with law enforcement over alleged criminal offences, including assault, driving under the influence, theft, drug-related crimes, reckless driving, sexual assault, child abuse, fraud and embezzlement.

The department identified 10 categories of foreign nationals whose visas have been revoked or who have faced deportability determinations:

1. People charged with sexual assault — Visa revocations included foreign nationals accused of serious sexual offences.

2. People accused of kidnapping and child exploitation — Some cases involved allegations of kidnapping, human trafficking and sexual exploitation of minors.

3. People arrested for domestic violence and violent conduct — Revocations included cases involving domestic violence, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest with violence and drunk driving.

4. Birth tourists — More than 100 visas were reportedly revoked by a U.S. embassy in North Africa from parents accused of travelling to the United States primarily to give birth so their children could obtain U.S. citizenship.

5. People accused of child sexual offences — The department cited cases involving allegations including sexual abuse of children and possession of child sexual abuse material.

6. Drug and dangerous-driving offenders — The State Department cited cases involving foreign nationals arrested for drug-related offences and serious driving violations.

7. Foreign nationals accused of endorsing violence — Some visas were revoked after individuals allegedly expressed support for or celebrated acts of political violence.

8. People involved in major healthcare fraud — One case involved allegations of a multimillion-dollar Medicaid fraud scheme involving false healthcare services.

9. People accused of fraudulently obtaining visas — The department cited individuals allegedly accused of using false claims, fabricated documents or forged letters to obtain U.S. visas.

10. Foreign nationals considered deportable on foreign-policy grounds — Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also designated some foreign nationals as deportable based on foreign-policy concerns, including alleged links to foreign governments or activities considered threatening to U.S. interests.

The State Department said the Trump administration would continue investigating visa holders and revoking visas when necessary.

The department emphasized that a U.S. visa is a privilege rather than a right and said the government would continue using available measures to protect Americans and address threats to public safety and national security.

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