US State Department has yanked more than 175k visas under Trump administration so far
The U.S. State Department announced Monday that it has revoked more than 175,000 visas under President Donald Trump’s administration so far, less than two years into his second term.
“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 department said.
Most revocations stemmed from law enforcement encounters involving criminal activity, with assault, driving under the influence, theft and drug crimes among the leading causes. Others involved reckless driving, sexual assault, child abuse, fraud, embezzlement and other crimes.
The department also highlighted birth tourism, saying a U.S. embassy in North Africa revoked more than 100 visas for parents who traveled to the United States primarily to give birth so their children would receive U.S. citizenship.
“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 U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right.” It added that it remains committed to using every available tool to protect communities from those who abuse the visa system.
