The United States has revoked more than 175,000 visas issued to foreign nationals under President Donald Trump’s administration over criminal offences, breaches of visa conditions and national security concerns.
The US Department of State disclosed this in a statement published on its website on Monday.
The department said most of the cancellations followed law enforcement encounters involving criminal activity, with offences including assault, driving under the influence, theft and drug-related crimes among the leading causes.
It added that other revocations were linked to reckless driving, sexual assault, child abuse, fraud, embezzlement and other offences.
According to the State Department, some cases involved foreign nationals charged with serious crimes, including rape, sexual battery, kidnapping, human trafficking, sexual exploitation of minors, child sexual abuse and domestic violence.
The department said the cancellations were part of its continuous-vetting programme, which monitors visa holders for compliance with US immigration requirements and identifies individuals considered threats to public safety or national security.
It also disclosed that a US embassy in North Africa had cancelled more than 100 visas issued to parents accused of engaging in “birth tourism” — travelling to the United States primarily to give birth so their children could acquire American citizenship.
The State Department cited other cases involving financial crimes, including a foreign national accused of participating in a Medicaid fraud scheme involving more than $5m in fraudulent claims.
Another foreign national was allegedly accused of falsifying company revenue figures and forging letters to deceive investors and fraudulently obtain a US visa.
The department also said some visa holders had been identified as allegedly celebrating the assassination of Charlie Kirk, with some making statements that appeared to praise or endorse his killing.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also determined that some foreign nationals are deportable on foreign-policy grounds.
The department said the visa revocation exercise would continue as officials identify and investigate foreign nationals considered threats to public safety or national security.
“A U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right,” the department said, adding that it would use available measures to protect American communities from individuals who abuse the immigration system.
