US Revokes Over 175,000 Visas Citing Criminal Activity and National Security

What Happened

The U.S. Department of State has revoked over 175,000 visas since January of the previous year. These actions targeted foreign nationals accused of violating visa terms, engaging in criminal activity, calling for violence against U.S. citizens, defrauding Americans, abusing the immigration system, or posing a threat to national security.

According to the department, criminal activity was the primary reason for the majority of revocations. Offenses cited include assault, driving under the influence, theft, and drug crimes. Other significant reasons involved reckless driving, sexual assault, child abuse, fraud, and embezzlement. The department provided examples of individuals facing charges for violent crimes, human trafficking, and financial fraud.

Key Facts

• The U.S. State Department has revoked over 175,000 visas.
• Reasons for revocation include visa violations, criminal activity, fraud, and national security concerns.
• Leading criminal offenses cited are assault, driving under the influence, theft, and drug crimes.
• Other reasons include reckless driving, sexual assault, child abuse, and fraud.
• Examples cited involve charges of felony rape, sexual battery, kidnapping, human trafficking, and child sexual abuse.
• Visas have also been revoked for individuals linked to influence campaigns tied to foreign governments and those expressing hostility toward U.S. policy.
• A U.S. embassy in North Africa revoked over 100 visas for parents accused of 'birth tourism.'
• Some revocations were due to comments celebrating the death of U.S. citizens.

Background

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that a U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right, and that the department will continue to revoke visas of foreign nationals who threaten American safety. The administration has also faced scrutiny over visa revocations related to political speech and foreign policy grounds.