The U.S. Department of State has revoked more than 175,000 visas since President Donald Trump returned to office in January 2025, according to an announcement made on August 10, 2026. This marks a significant increase from the previously reported 100,000 cancellations, reflecting the administration's expanded continuous vetting of foreign nationals.
The State Department says the revocations are part of its effort to ensure that visa holders comply with U.S. law and do not pose risks to public safety or national security. The majority of cancellations followed law-enforcement encounters, with leading reasons including assault, driving under the influence (DUI), theft, and drug offences.
Why are so many US visas being revoked?
Other cases involved reckless driving, sexual assault, child abuse, fraud, and embezzlement. The department also cited foreign nationals arrested or charged in serious allegations, including sexual battery, kidnapping, human trafficking, and possession of child sexual abuse material.
In addition to criminal conduct, the administration has targeted visa holders over speech and foreign-policy concerns. This includes revoking visas for individuals who celebrated the September 2025 assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Among the comments cited by the department were remarks that Kirk “died too late” and that “when fascists die, democrats don't complain.”
Birth tourism and financial fraud
More than 100 visas were revoked by a U.S. embassy in North Africa involving parents accused of engaging in so-called birth tourism—traveling to the U.S. primarily to give birth so their children could obtain citizenship. This action aligns with Trump's broader efforts to restrict birth tourism.
The department also cited visa cancellations involving alleged multi-million-dollar Medicaid fraud and schemes involving falsified business documents. These financial crimes are part of the administration's crackdown on visa abuse.
Foreign policy and security threats
The State Department said it had taken action against foreign nationals linked to Cuban and Iranian government influence operations. It also cited a Kuwaiti national accused of wishing violence against President Trump and describing Americans as his enemies.
Another high-profile case involved Tou Lue Vang, a Laotian national and sex offender who had previously been pardoned by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. The State Department highlighted his case as part of its foreign-policy-related enforcement actions.
Speech-based vetting and criticism
The administration has faced criticism from immigration and civil-rights advocates over speech-based vetting, particularly where social media activity is involved. Critics argue that such measures infringe on free expression and may be applied arbitrarily.
Despite the backlash, the State Department maintains that continuous vetting is essential for national security. The latest figures show that getting a U.S. visa does not mean a foreign national is permanently protected from further scrutiny.
What this means for travellers
The State Department has expanded continuous vetting and online-presence screening for certain visa applicants. Other Trump administration measures have introduced visa restrictions and suspensions affecting nationals of several countries.
For Nigerians and other travellers with U.S. visas, complying with the terms of your visa matters even after it has been issued. The State Department says it will continue reviewing visa holders and revoking visas where it determines that individuals no longer meet the requirements or pose public-safety, national-security, or foreign-policy concerns.
With over 175,000 visas revoked, the message is clear: visa holders must remain vigilant about their conduct, both online and offline, to avoid losing their travel privileges.
