The US State Department said it had revoked more than 175,000 visas held by foreign nationals since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term, as part of a broad campaign to tighten immigration rules.
In a statement on Monday, the department said the revocations targeted foreigners who had violated visa conditions, committed crimes, called for violence against Americans, committed fraud, misused the immigration system or posed a threat to national security.
Reasons given for the revocations
The department said most of the visas were cancelled after contact with law enforcement authorities, with assaults, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, theft and drug-related offences among the main reasons.
It also said many cancellations were linked to reckless driving, sexual assault, child abuse, fraud, embezzlement and other criminal cases.
Ongoing screening and enforcement
The State Department said the decisions were the result of ongoing screening designed to ensure visa holders comply with the conditions of their stay and do not pose a risk to Americans.
The department said the campaign reflects the wider immigration crackdown launched by the Trump administration after his return to the White House last year.
Previous record and broader push
In January, the State Department said it had already revoked more than 100,000 visas, a record at the time, underscoring the scale of the administration’s effort to tighten immigration enforcement.
The latest figure shows the revocation drive has expanded further as the administration continues to apply stricter checks on foreign visitors and residents.
Birth tourism cases cited
The department also cited a separate case in which a US embassy in North Africa revoked more than 100 visas from parents it said had engaged in so-called birth tourism.
According to the department, the individuals entered the United States primarily to give birth on American soil so their children could obtain US citizenship.
Conclusion:
The revocation of more than 175,000 visas highlights the scale of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, with the State Department saying the measures are aimed at public safety, legal compliance and national security.
