- The U.S. State Department announced on Monday it has revoked more than 175,000 visas from foreign nationals under President Donald Trump's administration, continuing a sweeping immigration crackdown.
- In January, the department reported it had revoked more than 100,000 visas, which was a record at that time.
- The department cited specific cases including a person charged with felony rape, another charged with kidnapping, and a person facing multiple counts of possessing child sexual abuse material.
- A U.S. embassy in North Africa revoked over 100 visas from 'birth tourist' parents who allegedly aimed to give birth in the U.S. for citizenship benefits.
- The department also revoked visas of multiple foreigners who celebrated the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
- The extent of the visa revocations reflects the broad immigration crackdown initiated when Trump returned to the White House last year, deporting an unprecedented number of migrants, including some who held valid visas.
- Most visa revocations stemmed from law enforcement encounters involving criminal activity, with assault, driving under the influence, theft, and drug crimes being the leading causes.
- The Trump administration has adopted a stricter policy on granting visas, including tightened social media vetting and expanded screening.
The U.S. State Department has revoked over 175,000 visas under the Trump administration, reflecting a stringent immigration policy aimed at enhancing national security. The revocations primarily target individuals who have violated visa terms, committed crimes, or posed threats to U.S. citizens.18
The department stated that most revocations stemmed from law enforcement encounters, with leading causes including assault, driving under the influence, theft, and drug offenses. Specific cases highlighted include individuals charged with felony rape, kidnapping, and human trafficking, as well as those involved in child sexual abuse material cases.37
Additionally, over 100 visas were revoked from parents labeled as "birth tourists" who allegedly sought U.S. citizenship for their children through birth. The crackdown also extends to foreign nationals who celebrated the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, with statements indicating a commitment to continue identifying and investigating those who threaten U.S. safety.45
The State Department emphasized that "A U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right", and will utilize all available authorities to revoke visas from individuals who abuse this privilege. Rights advocates have criticized the administration's social media screening policies, arguing they infringe on free speech and disproportionately target immigrants.
“The revocations stem from law-enforcement encounters, with assault, DUI, theft, and drug crimes as leading causes. A US embassy in North Africa revoked over 100 visas from 'birth tourist' parents, and some foreigners who celebrated Charlie Kirk's assassination also lost visas.”
