The United States Department of State has revoked more than 175,000 visas issued to foreign nationals as part of the Trump administration’s ongoing immigration enforcement measures.
The administration announced the visa cancellations on Monday, stating that the action targeted individuals who violated the terms of their visas, committed crimes, defrauded Americans, encouraged violence against US citizens or posed threats to national security.
According to the US government, most of the visa revocations followed encounters with law enforcement agencies. Criminal activity, assault, driving under the influence, theft and drug related offences were identified among the leading reasons for the cancellations.
The administration also said a significant number of visas were revoked after holders were found to have been involved in child abuse, sexual assault, reckless driving, fraud, embezzlement and other criminal activities.
The State Department said the revocations were part of its continuous vetting operations aimed at protecting American communities from individuals who abuse the visa system.
The department highlighted several cases in a fact sheet detailing the enforcement actions.
Among them was a foreign national charged with felony rape and sexual battery involving a mentally disabled victim.
Another individual was arrested for violently resisting arrest, drunk driving and domestic violence, while another was charged with felony kidnapping, human trafficking and sexual exploitation of a minor.
The State Department also cited a foreign national charged with more than a dozen counts of possessing child sexual abuse material, while another faced charges of sodomy of a child and aggravated sexual battery.
In another case, a foreign national who worked with young students was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting one of them.
Another individual was arrested for driving with heroin in their possession and a blood alcohol level more than three times the legal limit.
The US government also disclosed that a foreign national was involved in a major Medicaid fraud scheme involving more than $5 million in allegedly fraudulent claims.
The administration further stated that visas had been revoked from multiple foreign nationals accused of celebrating the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
