The U.S. State Department announced on Monday that it has revoked more than 175,000 visas since President Donald Trump took office in last year, targeting foreign nationals who committed crimes, violated visa terms, or engaged in activities threatening national security.
The visa revocations span less than two years of President Trump’s second term, reflecting an aggressive enforcement push across consular offices worldwide. According to the agency, the sweeping actions are designed to protect American communities from foreign nationals who abuse immigration privileges.
The department stated that it stripped travel documents from people charged with crimes and those who celebrated the killing of Charlie Kirk.
“Under President Trump, the United States Department of State has revoked more than 175,000 visas from foreign nationals who violated the terms of their visas, committed crimes, called for violence against U.S. citizens, defrauded Americans, abused our immigration system, or endangered national security,” the State Department noted.
Law Enforcement Encounters Drive Mass Revocations
The vast majority of the travel documents were invalidated following encounters with law enforcement for various offenses. The State Department reported that assault, driving under the influence, theft, and drug crimes formed the leading categories of criminal activity prompting the revocations.
“The majority of these visas were revoked due to law enforcement encounters for a range of criminal activity, with assault, driving under the influence, theft, and drug crimes being the leading causes. A significant share of visas were revoked for reckless driving, sexual assault, child abuse, fraud and embezzlement, and other crimes,” according to the department.
Targeting Heinous Crimes and Sexual Assault
The department pointed to some examples of individuals who allegedly committed heinous crimes. It indicated some of the individuals whose visas were revoked included A foreign national who was charged with felony rape and sexual battery – including of a victim who was mentally disabled
and A foreign national charged with felony kidnapping, human trafficking, and sexual exploitation of a minor.
North African Embassy Curbs Birth Tourism
The department also pointed to the issue of birth tourism. A U.S. embassy in North Africa revoked over 100 visas for 'birth tourist' parents who came to the United States primarily to give birth so their children would get U.S. citizenship,
the department noted.
Secretary Rubio and Trump Push Ongoing Security Mandate
“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. A U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right. The Department remains committed to using every tool available to protect our communities from those who abuse it,” the department declared.
