Critics argue that enhanced screening measures infringe on free speech and privacy rights
The US State Department on Monday said it has revoked more than 175,000 visas from foreign nationals under President Donald Trump’s administration, as the government continues its sweeping immigration crackdown.
The department said the visas were revoked from people who had “violated the terms of their visas, committed crimes, called for violence against US citizens, defrauded Americans, abused our immigration system, or endangered national security”.
Most of the visa revocations followed what the department described as “law enforcement encounters”.
It said assault, driving under the influence, theft and drug crimes were the leading causes. Other cases involved reckless driving, sexual assault, child abuse, fraud and embezzlement.
The State Department cited several cases as examples. They 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”.
The department also said a person facing more than a dozen counts of possessing child sexual abuse material had their visa revoked.
In another case, a US embassy in North Africa revoked more than 100 visas from “birth tourist” parents who, the department said, had travelled to the US primarily to give birth so their children would receive US citizenship.
The department also said it had revoked the visas of several foreign nationals who “celebrated” the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. One of those people was described as having said he “died too late”.
The State Department said in January that it had revoked more than 100,000 visas, which was a record at the time.
The latest figures come as the Trump administration continues to tighten immigration and visa policies. The administration has deported large numbers of migrants, including some who held valid visas, while also introducing stricter requirements for those seeking to enter the US.
These measures include tighter social media vetting and expanded screening of visa applicants. Rights advocates and human rights experts have criticised the social media screening, saying it threatens free speech and amounts to surveillance and the singling out of immigrants.
