Trump admin revokes over 1,75,000 visas in crackdown
Photo: REUTERS
US State Department announced on Monday that the Trump administration has cancelled more than 1,75,000 visas belonging to foreign nationals as part of an extensive immigration crackdown.
This ongoing initiative continues to strip tens of thousands of individuals of their travel and immigration privileges.
According to an official statement, the department targeted foreigners who “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 these cancellations occurred following law enforcement encounters, with the primary causes identified as assault, driving under the influence, theft, and drug-related offenses.
The department highlighted several severe cases, including individuals charged with felony rape, sexual battery, kidnapping, human trafficking, and possessing child sexual abuse material.
Moreover, a US embassy in North Africa invalidated over 100 visas belonging to “birth tourist” parents who allegedly entered the United States primarily so their children would obtain US citizenship.
The government also targeted multiple foreign citizens who “celebrated” the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, including one individual who remarked that he “died too late.”
This latest surge follows an earlier report in January where the department confirmed the revocation of more than 1,00,000 visas, which set a record at the time.
These actions mirror the broader immigration crackdown that began upon Trump’s return to the White House last year, leading to the deportation of an unprecedented number of migrants, including some who previously held valid visas.
To maintain these stricter standards, the administration has implemented rigorous social media vetting and expanded screening processes for those seeking entry.
However, rights advocates and human rights experts have strongly condemned these social media screening efforts. They argue that such measures threaten free speech and are akin to surveillance that unfairly singles out immigrants.
Source: Reuters (adapted)
