Visa Revocations Exceed 175,000
The U.S. State Department has revoked more than 175,000 visas held by foreign nationals since President Donald Trump began his second term. The department disclosed the figure in a statement reported by Reuters.
According to the State Department, the decisions were made through continuous vetting of U.S. visa holders. The agency said the system is intended to ensure compliance with visa conditions and identify people who could threaten Americans or U.S. national security.
A U.S. visa does not guarantee admission to the country. The State Department can revoke it when information obtained after issuance indicates criminal conduct, a visa violation or another factor affecting the holder’s eligibility.
Most Cases Followed Law-Enforcement Encounters
The State Department said most visas were revoked following their holders’ encounters with law enforcement. Assault, driving under the influence, theft and drug-related offences were among the leading reasons cited by the agency.
Other revocations involved foreign nationals who violated their visa conditions, defrauded Americans, abused the immigration system, called for violence against U.S. citizens or endangered national security.
The department highlighted several individual cases, including foreign nationals charged with felony rape and sexual battery, kidnapping and human trafficking. Another person faced more than a dozen charges involving the possession of child sexual abuse material.
These details represent the State Department’s account of the enforcement campaign. A complete statistical breakdown of all 175,000 visa revocations by reason has not been released.
More Than 100 Visas Revoked Over “Birth Tourism”
A U.S. embassy in North Africa revoked more than 100 visas from parents whom American authorities linked to so-called birth tourism. The State Department alleged that they travelled to the United States primarily to give birth so their children would receive U.S. citizenship.
The department did not identify the North African country involved or disclose the outcome of each individual case.
The action forms part of a broader immigration campaign as the White House seeks to restrict birth tourism and certain applications of birthright citizenship.
Visas Revoked Over Statements About Charlie Kirk
The State Department also said it revoked the visas of several foreign nationals who, in the agency’s assessment, publicly “celebrated” the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The U.S. administration has expanded its screening of foreign nationals to include social media posts and other publicly available material. Civil rights advocates have criticised this policy, arguing that it may affect freedom of expression and allow authorities to interpret potential threats too broadly.
Pace of Visa Enforcement Accelerates
In January 2026, the State Department reported that it had revoked more than 100,000 visas, a record at the time. By August, the total had exceeded 175,000, indicating a continued expansion of the vetting campaign.
The Trump administration is simultaneously tightening requirements for new visa applicants, increasing social media screening and strengthening oversight of foreign nationals who have already received permission to travel to the United States.
Read also: U.S. President Signs Executive Orders Targeting Birth Tourism and Birthright Citizenship Exceptions
