US revokes over 175,000 visas; here are 10 types of foreign nationals affected

More than 175,000 US visas have been cancelled under President Donald Trump as American authorities intensify checks on foreign nationals living or travelling to the country.

The US Department of State said the cancellations followed a wide range of cases involving alleged criminal activity, immigration violations and concerns about public safety as reported by Vanguard.

Some of the cases began after visa holders came into contact with law enforcement. Authorities cited allegations ranging from assault and theft to drug offences and driving under the influence.

The department said its review also covers conduct that could raise concerns about national security or US foreign policy.

The latest figures show the scale of the administration’s broader effort to scrutinise foreign nationals and determine whether they should retain their permission to enter the United States.

Who is facing visa cancellation?

The State Department has pointed to several groups and individual cases to illustrate the types of conduct that can result in visa action.

1. Foreign nationals facing sexual assault charges

People accused of serious sexual offences are among those affected.

The department highlighted a case involving a foreign national charged with felony rape and sexual battery. The allegations included an incident involving a mentally disabled victim.

2. Suspects in kidnapping and child exploitation cases

Visa action has also been taken against individuals facing allegations involving children.

One case cited by the department involved charges of kidnapping, human trafficking and sexual exploitation of a minor.

3. Individuals arrested over domestic violence

Foreign nationals accused of violent behaviour have also come under scrutiny.

The cases cited include domestic violence, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest with violence and drunk driving.

4. Foreign nationals accused of birth tourism

The crackdown also targets alleged birth tourism.

In one case, a US embassy in North Africa cancelled more than 100 visas belonging to parents accused of travelling to America mainly to give birth.

The authorities said the alleged purpose was to have their children obtain US citizenship.

5. People accused of offences involving children

The department has also taken action in cases involving alleged child sexual offences.

Charges cited include sodomy of a child, aggravated sexual battery and possession of child sexual abuse material.

One person was reportedly facing more than a dozen counts connected with the possession of such material.

6. Drug-related and dangerous-driving cases

Driving offences can also have immigration consequences for visa holders.

The State Department cited a case involving a foreign national arrested while driving with heroin.

The person was also reportedly found with a blood alcohol level exceeding three times the legal limit.

7. Foreign nationals accused of promoting violence

Political or public statements have also featured in some visa revocation cases.

The department said several foreign nationals who celebrated the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk had their visas revoked.

Some were accused of making comments that appeared to praise the killing or support violence.

8. Suspects in large-scale healthcare fraud

Financial crimes are another area highlighted by the department.

One foreign national was accused of being involved in a Medicaid fraud operation worth more than $5 million.

The individual allegedly used a legitimate healthcare-related business to facilitate fraudulent claims for services that were not provided.

9. People accused of visa fraud

The State Department also cited cases where individuals allegedly obtained visas through deception.

One foreign national was accused of making false claims, misleading investors and defrauding clients of millions of dollars.

The department said the individual allegedly relied on fabricated claims and forged letters when applying for a US visa.

10. People deemed deportable over foreign policy concerns

Visa problems are not limited to criminal convictions.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also made deportability determinations involving certain foreign nationals on foreign policy grounds.

Among the cases mentioned by the department are a Cuban national allegedly connected to an influence operation tied to Cuba’s communist regime.

The list also includes Iranian nationals accused of links to the Iranian government, a Laotian child sex offender who received a pardon from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and a Kuwaiti national accused of expressing a desire for violence against the US president.

The Kuwaiti national was also accused of referring to Americans as his “enemy.”

US warns visa holders

The State Department said the administration would continue reviewing cases involving foreign nationals whose conduct raises concerns.

The department maintained that a US visa does not guarantee an unrestricted right to remain in the country.

It said authorities would continue revoking visas and taking other legal steps where foreign nationals are considered to have violated visa conditions or created public safety and national security concerns.