US Visa Revocations Cross 1.75 Lakh Under Trump: A Look at the Targets

The United States State Department announced on Monday that it has revoked more than 175,000 visas for foreign nationals under the administration of President Donald Trump, as part of a continuing immigration crackdown that has affected tens of thousands more individuals.

In a statement, the department said the revocations 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." It noted that most visas were revoked following "law enforcement encounters," with assault, driving under the influence, theft, and drug-related crimes being the leading causes.

The department provided specific examples of those affected, including an individual charged with felony rape and sexual battery, another charged with kidnapping and human trafficking, and a person facing more than a dozen counts of possessing child sexual abuse material. It also said a US embassy in North Africa revoked over 100 visas from "birth tourist" parents who allegedly came to the US primarily to give birth so their children would acquire US citizenship.

Additionally, the department said it revoked the visas of multiple foreigners who celebrated the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, including one who commented that he "died too late."

In January, the department had reported revoking more than 100,000 visas, which was described as a record at the time. The new figure highlights the scale of the immigration crackdown initiated after Trump returned to the White House last year. During this period, the administration also deported unprecedented numbers of migrants, including some with valid visas.

The administration has implemented stricter visa-granting policies, including tightened social media vetting and expanded screening procedures. These measures are part of a broader effort to enforce immigration laws and protect national security, according to the State Department.

Rights advocates and human rights experts have criticised the administration's social media screening efforts, arguing that they threaten free speech, resemble surveillance, and single out immigrants. They have also raised concerns about the visa revocation process, citing a lack of transparency and potential due process issues.

Supporters of the administration say the crackdown is essential to maintain order and safety, and that the revocations are necessary to prevent individuals who pose risks from entering or remaining in the United States. The State Department has indicated that it will continue to take action against those who violate visa terms or pose security concerns.

The announcement comes amid ongoing debates in the US over immigration policy, with critics arguing that the administration's approach is overly broad and penalises individuals for actions that may not warrant such measures. The number of visa revocations is expected to rise as the administration continues its enforcement policies.