The United States has revoked more than 250,000 visas since President Donald Trump took office, as his administration intensifies immigration enforcement
and scrutiny of foreign nationals entering the country. According to a US State Department official cited by Fox News Digital, the visa cancellations involved a range of violations. These included breaching visa terms, committing crimes, calling for violence against the US or Americans, defrauding Americans, abusing the immigration system and posing risks to national security. The administration has stepped up vetting and enforcement measures as part of its broader crackdown on unlawful immigration, with visa holders facing increased scrutiny over their conduct and compliance with US laws. The State Department said the revocations were linked to violations and conduct considered grounds for cancelling a visa, rather than being limited to immigration-status violations alone.
What has the State Department said?
Among the visas revoked were 2,300 in connection with birth tourism, the practice of pregnant foreign nationals travelling to the US specifically to give birth so their child automatically receives citizenship.
"Under President Trump and Secretary Rubio, the State Department has now revoked more than 250,000 visas — a historic milestone that reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting the American people," State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said.
"Every visa decision is a national security decision. Through continuous vetting on a scale never seen before, we are identifying and removing those who commit crimes, support terrorism, defraud Americans, or abuse our immigration system," Pigott added. "A US visa is a privilege, not a right — and if you violate the terms of that privilege, you will lose it. We will not stop until every foreign national who threatens the safety of our communities is held accountable."
The latest figures come amid a wider expansion of visa enforcement. On Monday, the State Department revoked the visas of 27 Latin American officials, former officials and their family members over accusations of corruption. The individuals were from Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.
Over the summer, the Trump administration also began preparing to revoke business and tourist visas held by as many as 200,000 foreigners who had applied for asylum in the US.
In August, the State Department revoked more than 175,000 visas, with the majority linked to law-enforcement encounters involving criminal activity. The leading causes included assault, driving under the influence, theft and drug-related crimes.
The agency also said a significant number of visa revocations were linked to reckless driving, sexual assault, child abuse, fraud, embezzlement and other offences.On Monday, the State Department revoked the visas of 27 Latin American officials, former officials, and their families over accusations of corruption. The officials are from Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
