Kenneth Glad
Federal authorities are applying tighter scrutiny to foreign nationals under an expanded enforcement effort. Criminal conduct, fraud and security concerns remain central to the latest actions.
More than 175,000 visas have been revoked under President Donald Trump, according to an August 10 fact sheet from the US State Department. Most involved foreign nationals who had encounters with law enforcement over alleged criminal activity, making criminal cases a major factor behind the overall total.
Assault, impaired driving, theft and drug offences were among the most frequently cited grounds. Officials also identified cases involving fraud, embezzlement, sexual offences and abuse of children, while other decisions stemmed from violations of immigration conditions or concerns related to national security.
The department says the reviews continue even after visas have been issued. Its vetting operations are intended to identify people who no longer meet the conditions attached to their status or whose later conduct raises concerns for American authorities and could prompt further action.
The tempo has also increased noticeably. Wiadomosci WP reported that more than 10,000 visas have been revoked per month on average in 2026, compared with slightly more than 8,000 a month in 2025.
Revocations extend beyond common offences
The State Department highlighted several cases to show the breadth of conduct now coming under review. One foreign national was charged with kidnapping, human trafficking and sexual exploitation of a minor. Another allegedly relied on false claims and forged documents to obtain a visa after misleading investors through a fraudulent scheme.
An American embassy in North Africa revoked more than 100 visas in cases involving alleged birth tourism. The department also pointed to foreign nationals accused of celebrating the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, as well as individuals with alleged connections to the Cuban and Iranian authorities.
A Kuwaiti national was among those identified in the government release after allegedly making hostile remarks about Americans and directing violent wishes toward the president. Officials said similar reviews would continue in cases where foreign nationals are believed to have abused immigration rules, violated the terms of their status or posed a threat to public safety. The department concluded: “A U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right.”
Sources: US State Department, Wiadomosci WP
