Trump administration revokes 175,000 visas for crimes, risks

The U.S. State Department has revoked more than 175,000 visas from foreign nationals since President Donald Trump returned to office, capping a sweeping immigration crackdown that strips travel and residency rights from tens of thousands more people each month.

The revocations are part of a broader enforcement drive that began after Trump’s second inauguration, targeting visa holders who ran afoul of U.S. laws or were deemed national security risks. Most cancellations stem from criminal convictions, visa violations, fraud, or public statements that officials say threaten American safety. The State Department pointed to continuous vetting operations, arguing that visas are a privilege, not a right, and that revoking them keeps the country secure.

Among the canceled visas are those linked to serious crimes: assault, driving under the influence, theft, drug offenses, and more than a dozen cases tied to child sexual abuse material. The department also spotlighted high-profile removals, including over 100 “birth tourist” parents in North Africa who allegedly entered the U.S. primarily to secure citizenship for their children. In other cases, officials revoked visas for people who celebrated the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, citing comments that glorified violence. The State Department said it would keep hunting down foreign nationals who pose risks, using stricter screening tools like expanded social media checks.

The crackdown has already surpassed last January’s record of 100,000 revocations, reflecting a broader shift toward stricter visa policies. Rights groups warn that beefed-up social media vetting amounts to surveillance, chilling free speech and unfairly targeting immigrants. With the administration vowing to press on, critics say the policy will continue to reshape who can enter—or stay in—the United States.