The United States has revoked more than 175,000 visas issued to foreign nationals under President Donald Trump's administration, citing violations of visa conditions, criminal activity, and security threats. The US Department of State (DoS) announced the sweeping action, with most revocations stemming from law enforcement encounters involving crimes such as assault, driving under the influence, theft, and drug-related offenses.
Visa Revocations Driven by Criminal Activity
In a statement, the DoS said the majority of the visa revocations followed “law enforcement encounters involving criminal activity, with assault, driving under the influence, theft and drug-related offences among the leading causes.” The department also noted that visas were revoked over “reckless driving, sexual assault, child abuse, fraud, embezzlement and other crimes.” These actions were carried out through continuous vetting operations designed to ensure that visa holders comply with the terms of their visas and do not pose a threat to Americans.
Some of those whose visas were revoked had been charged with serious offenses, including “felony rape and sexual battery, kidnapping, human trafficking, sexual exploitation of minors, child sexual abuse offences and domestic violence,” according to the DoS.
Birth Tourism and Fraud Cases Highlighted
The department disclosed that a US embassy in North Africa revoked more than 100 visas issued to parents accused of engaging in “birth tourism” – traveling to the US primarily to give birth so their children could obtain US citizenship. Other cases involved a foreign national arrested for allegedly driving with heroin while having a blood alcohol level more than three times the legal limit, as well as individuals accused of fraud and financial crimes.
One foreign national who claimed to run a legitimate business helping vulnerable patients access healthcare allegedly helped orchestrate a Medicaid fraud scheme involving more than $5 million in fraudulent billing. Another foreign national allegedly fabricated company revenue and forged letters to deceive investors and fraudulently obtain a US visa, the department said.
Foreign Policy Grounds and Deportation Determinations
The DoS also cited cases involving foreign nationals who allegedly celebrated the assassination of Charlie Kirk, including individuals who made statements appearing to endorse or celebrate his death. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has determined that several foreign nationals are deportable on foreign policy grounds. These cases include a Cuban national allegedly connected to a Cuban communist regime influence operation, Iranian nationals with links to the Iranian government, a Laotian child sex offender pardoned by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and a Kuwaiti national accused of expressing a desire for violence against the US president and referring to Americans as his “enemy.”
The DoS said it would continue to identify, investigate, and revoke the visas of foreign nationals considered threats to public safety. “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 people who abuse the immigration system.
