US Revokes More Than 175,000 Visas Over Crime, Fraud and Security Concerns

Washington — The U.S. State Department has revoked more than 175,000 visas from foreign nationals over criminal activity, immigration violations, fraud, national security concerns and threats of violence, according to a department fact sheet.

The revocations were carried out as part of the Trump administration’s continuous vetting program, which reviews visa holders for conduct that could make them ineligible to remain in the United States.

The State Department said many of the cases stemmed from encounters with law enforcement. Assault, driving under the influence, theft and drug-related offenses were among the most common reasons for visa cancellations.

Other revocations involved allegations of reckless driving, sexual assault, child abuse, fraud and embezzlement.

The department cited several cases involving serious criminal charges. They included foreign nationals accused of rape and sexual battery, kidnapping and human trafficking, sexual exploitation of minors and possession of child sexual abuse material.

In another case, a foreign national was arrested after allegedly driving while in possession of heroin and recording a blood alcohol level more than three times the legal limit, according to the department.

The State Department also said a U.S. embassy in North Africa revoked more than 100 visas issued to parents accused of engaging in birth tourism by traveling to the United States primarily to give birth so their children would obtain U.S. citizenship. The department did not identify the country or nationalities involved.

Financial fraud was another basis for some of the revocations. One foreign national was accused of helping operate a Medicaid fraud scheme that billed more than $5 million for services that were never provided.

Another allegedly falsified company revenue, forged documents and misled investors to obtain millions of dollars while also using fraudulent claims to secure a U.S. visa.

The department said visas were also revoked from several foreign nationals over statements it characterized as celebrating the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has separately determined that several foreign nationals are subject to deportation on foreign policy grounds, the department said. Those cases include individuals allegedly connected to foreign government influence operations, people with ties to Iran and others accused of serious criminal conduct.

“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.

“A US visa is a privilege, not a right,” it added.

A U.S. visa generally permits a foreign national to travel to a port of entry and request admission to the country. It does not guarantee entry, which is ultimately determined by U.S. immigration authorities. (Source: IANS)