Trump Administration Revokes Over 1.75 Lakh US Visas in Major Immigration Crackdown

Washington: The US State Department on Monday released a shocking figure, stating that visas of more than 1.75 lakh foreigners have been cancelled so far during President Donald Trump's second term, as Washington steps up its immigration crackdown.

What did the US say?

According to the State Department, such a drastic measure is being taken for those who violate visa rules and are involved in criminal activities or pose threats to US national security.

According to the State Department, the visa cancellations were done on certain individuals, some of whom violated visa conditions, were involved in committing crimes, threatened violence against American citizens, cheated Americans, and posed a threat to national security among others.

What is visa cancellation?

Visa revocation is the official cancellation of a previously issued travel or residence visa by a government, when the US State Department revokes a foreign national's legal status and declares them illegal. This is different from citizenship revocation, as citizenship is only revoked for those who have become US citizens.

For what reasons is action being taken?

According to the State Department, most visas are revoked for these reasons.

• Criminal cases: assault, drunk driving, theft and drug related offences.
• Serious crimes: sexual assault, child abuse, fraud, embezzlement, and reckless driving.
• National Security and Foreign Policy:  Those who wish to commit violence against the US President, foreign communist or regime-linked agents, and other suspects.

What about the strict action against 'birth tourism'?

Apart from this, the Trump administration has also taken strict action against parents who come to America with the intention of giving birth to a child and getting him citizenship and more than 100 such visas have been cancelled by the US Embassy in North Africa.