The United States has announced the cancellation of more than 175,000 visas issued to foreign nationals during the administration of President Donald Trump, citing alleged violations of visa conditions, criminal conduct and national security concerns.
In a statement released on Monday, the US Department of State said most of the visa revocations resulted from “law enforcement encounters involving criminal activity, with assault, driving under the influence, theft and drug-related offences among the leading causes”.
The department said additional cancellations were linked to “reckless driving, sexual assault, child abuse, fraud, embezzlement and other crimes”.
According to the State Department, the action was taken as part of its ongoing continuous-vetting programme, which is intended to ensure that visa holders comply with immigration rules and do not present a threat to the United States.
Officials said some affected individuals had been charged with serious offences, including “felony rape and sexual battery, kidnapping, human trafficking, sexual exploitation of minors, child sexual abuse offences and domestic violence”.
