Washington, August 10, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The US State Department has revoked more than 175,000 visas issued to foreign nationals over criminal activity, immigration violations, fraud, national security concerns and calls for violence against Americans, according to a fact sheet released on Monday.
The sweeping action was carried out under President Donald Trump as part of the department’s continuous vetting programme, which is aimed at ensuring that visa holders comply with the conditions of their admission and do not pose a threat to public safety.
The State Department said most visa revocations followed encounters with US law enforcement agencies. Assault, driving under the influence, theft and drug-related offences were among the leading grounds for cancellation.
Other cases involved reckless driving, sexual assault, child abuse, fraud, embezzlement and other serious offences.
The department highlighted several cases involving foreign nationals facing felony charges, including alleged rape and sexual battery, kidnapping, human trafficking, sexual exploitation of a minor, child sexual abuse and aggravated sexual battery.
In one case, a foreign national was arrested on allegations of driving with heroin while having a blood alcohol level more than three times the legal limit.
The State Department also said a US embassy in North Africa had revoked more than 100 visas issued to parents allegedly involved in so-called birth tourism, under which individuals travel to the US primarily to give birth so their children can obtain US citizenship. The embassy and nationalities involved were not identified.
Visa revocations also covered alleged financial fraud. One foreign national was accused of helping orchestrate a Medicaid scheme involving more than $5 million in fraudulent claims, while another allegedly fabricated company revenues and forged documents to deceive investors and fraudulently obtain a visa.
The department also cited visa holders who allegedly celebrated the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Separately, Secretary of State Marco Rubio determined that several foreign nationals were deportable on foreign policy grounds, including individuals allegedly linked to foreign government influence operations and serious criminal activity.
The department said it would continue using available legal tools to identify and revoke visas of foreign nationals considered threats to Americans.
“A US visa is a privilege, not a right,” the State Department said.
A visa generally permits a foreign national to travel to a US port of entry and seek admission. Final entry into the country, however, is determined by immigration authorities at the port of entry.
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