Trump administration yanks more than 175,000 visas in sweeping immigration crackdown

WASHINGTON, DC: The State Department said Monday, August 11, that the Trump administration has revoked more than 175,000 visas since President Donald Trump returned to office, with officials citing criminal offenses, immigration fraud, national security concerns and visa violations as the primary reasons for the cancellations.

The department said most revocations followed law enforcement encounters involving offenses such as assault, driving under the influence, theft and drug crimes, while others involved fraud, reckless driving and abuse of the US immigration system.

175,000 visas revoked under Trump

The State Department said more than 175,000 visas have been canceled during Trump's current administration.

According to the department, the majority were revoked following law enforcement encounters involving criminal offenses. Assault, driving under the influence, theft and drug-related crimes were identified as the leading reasons for visa cancellations.

Officials also cited reckless driving, fraud, embezzlement and other criminal offenses among the violations that resulted in revoked visas.

The department said visas were also canceled for foreign nationals accused of defrauding Americans, abusing the US immigration system, calling for violence against US citizens or posing national security concerns.

Criminal cases highlighted by officials

To illustrate the enforcement effort, the State Department pointed to several criminal cases involving foreign nationals whose visas were revoked.

Among them were an individual charged with felony, kidnapping, human trafficking and the exploitation of a minor.

The department also highlighted immigration-related enforcement beyond violent crime. Officials said a US embassy in North Africa revoked more than 100 visas issued to so-called "birth tourists" who allegedly traveled to the United States primarily so their children would obtain US citizenship.

State Department vows continued action

The State Department said visa revocations will remain an ongoing part of the administration's immigration enforcement strategy.

"Under President Trump and Secretary Rubio's leadership, the State Department will continue to identify, investigate, and revoke the visas of foreign nationals who threaten the safety of the American people," the department said.

Calling a US visa "a privilege, not a right," officials said the department would continue using available legal authorities to revoke visas from individuals who violate immigration laws, commit crimes or pose security risks.