The United States Department of State has revoked more than 175,000 visas under President Donald Trump as part of an intensified effort to identify foreign nationals who violate U.S. immigration rules, commit crimes or pose risks to public safety and national security.
According to the department, the majority of the visa revocations followed law enforcement encounters involving criminal offences. Assault, driving under the influence, theft and drug-related crimes were among the leading reasons for the cancellations.
Other cases involved reckless driving, sexual assault, child abuse, fraud and embezzlement, among other offences.
The State Department said the revocations are part of its ongoing vetting process designed to ensure that visa holders comply with the conditions attached to their visas and do not pose a threat to Americans.
Here are 10 categories of foreign nationals whose visas have been revoked or who have faced deportability determinations:
1. People charged with sexual assault
The State Department revoked the visa of a foreign national charged with felony rape and sexual battery, including an alleged offence involving a mentally disabled victim.
2. People accused of kidnapping and child exploitation
Another foreign national faced charges including felony kidnapping, human trafficking and sexual exploitation of a minor.
3. People arrested for domestic violence and violent conduct
Visa revocations also involved foreign nationals arrested for offences including disorderly conduct, resisting arrest with violence, drunk driving and domestic violence.
4. Birth tourists
A U.S. embassy in North Africa revoked more than 100 visas belonging to parents accused of travelling to the United States primarily to give birth so their children could obtain U.S. citizenship.
5. People accused of child sexual offences
The department cited cases involving foreign nationals charged with offences including sodomy of a child, aggravated sexual battery and possession of child sexual abuse material.
One individual was reportedly charged with more than a dozen counts related to possession of such material.
6. Drug and dangerous-driving offenders
The State Department also cited a foreign national who was arrested while driving with heroin and a blood alcohol level more than three times the legal limit.
7. Foreign nationals accused of endorsing violence
Multiple foreign nationals who celebrated the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk also had their visas revoked, according to the department.
The cases included individuals who made comments appearing to praise the killing or express support for violence.
8. People involved in major healthcare fraud
One foreign national accused of operating a legitimate business helping vulnerable patients access healthcare was allegedly involved in a Medicaid fraud scheme involving more than $5 million in fake services.
9. People accused of fraudulently obtaining visas
The department also cited a foreign national accused of building a company around false claims, deceiving investors and defrauding clients of millions of dollars.
According to the State Department, the individual allegedly used fabricated claims and forged letters to fraudulently obtain a U.S. visa.
10. Foreign nationals considered deportable on foreign policy grounds
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also determined that several foreign nationals are deportable on foreign policy grounds.
The cases cited by the department include a Cuban national linked to an alleged influence operation connected to Cuba’s communist regime, Iranian nationals with alleged connections to the Iranian government, a Laotian child sex offender who received a pardon from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and a Kuwaiti national accused of expressing a desire for violence against the U.S. president and referring to Americans as his “enemy.”
The State Department said the Trump administration will continue to identify, investigate and revoke visas belonging to foreign nationals it considers threats to Americans.
The department stressed that a U.S. visa is a privilege rather than a right and said it would continue using available measures to protect communities from people who violate the conditions of their entry or pose public safety and national security concerns.
Vanguard News
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