The administration of President Donald Trump has revoked more than 175,000 visas issued to foreign nationals, marking a major escalation of the United States government’s immigration enforcement campaign.
The U.S. State Department announced the figure on Monday, saying the cancellations formed part of an intensified effort to identify visa holders who had violated the conditions of their entry, engaged in criminal conduct or posed potential threats to public safety and national security.
According to the department, the majority of the revocations followed encounters with law enforcement involving alleged criminal activity.
Other grounds included visa violations, immigration fraud, calls for violence and conduct considered threatening to U.S. national security.
Among the offenses cited by the administration were assault, driving under the influence, theft, drug-related crimes, sexual assault, child abuse and fraud.
The State Department also highlighted cases involving serious allegations such as kidnapping, human trafficking and sexual exploitation of minors.
The latest figure represents a significant increase in the pace of visa cancellations under the Trump administration.
The State Department had previously disclosed that more than 100,000 visas had been revoked, making the latest announcement an indication that the administration’s screening and enforcement operations have continued to expand.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has maintained that a visa is a privilege rather than a permanent entitlement.
The administration has therefore increased continuous vetting of foreign nationals after visas have been issued, with officials arguing that the policy is necessary to protect Americans and ensure that foreign visitors comply with U.S. laws.
The crackdown has extended beyond traditional immigration violations.
The State Department has also cited cases involving individuals accused of endorsing violence against Americans, participating in fraudulent immigration schemes and other conduct that officials believe could undermine public safety.
The department said more than 100 visas were also revoked in North Africa in connection with what it described as “birth tourism” schemes, in which foreign nationals allegedly travelled to the United States primarily to give birth so their children could obtain U.S. citizenship.
The administration’s approach, however, has generated criticism from immigration advocates, lawyers and civil liberties groups. Critics have questioned the breadth of the government’s authority and expressed concern that some visa cancellations may be based on arrests or allegations rather than criminal convictions.
Concerns have also been raised over cases involving political expression. Reports indicate that some visa holders have faced cancellation after controversial statements or political activity, prompting debate over the balance between immigration enforcement, national security and freedom of expression.
The visa revocations form part of a much broader immigration strategy under Trump, which has included tougher screening, expanded enforcement and increased efforts to remove people considered to be unlawfully present or otherwise in violation of U.S. immigration rules.
For prospective travellers, international students, workers and immigrants, the developments are likely to create greater uncertainty about maintaining U.S. visas after approval.
The administration’s continuous-vetting approach means that obtaining a visa may no longer be viewed as the end of the screening process.
With more than 175,000 visas now revoked, the Trump administration has sent a clear message that it intends to use visa enforcement as a major component of its immigration policy.
Officials say the objective is to keep dangerous individuals out of the country and hold visa holders accountable, while critics warn that the increasingly broad approach could have significant consequences for lawful travellers and civil liberties.
