WASHINGTON — The U.S. State Department has revoked more than 175,000 visas from foreign nationals under President Trump, citing criminal acts and violations of visa terms. The department announced the actions Monday.
The total represents more than four times the number of visas revoked during President Joe Biden's final full year in office.
The revocations resulted from the State Department's continuous vetting operations, which are designed to ensure visa recipients comply with immigration rules and do not pose a threat to national security.
A large share of the visas were canceled following law enforcement encounters. Assault, driving under the influence, theft and drug crimes were the most frequent grounds for revocation.
Additional grounds included reckless driving, sexual assault, child abuse, fraud and embezzlement, as well as other crimes and immigration system abuse.
Visas were also pulled from individuals who endorsed violence against U.S. citizens, engaged in schemes to defraud Americans or otherwise endangered national security, including those involved in illegal birth tourism operations.
Under President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the State Department has said it views a U.S. visa as a privilege, not a right.
Officials said they will continue to identify and investigate foreign nationals who threaten American safety.
