Over 175,000 US visas revoked since Trump returned to office
By Aboki Forex —
The United States has revoked more than 175,000 visas issued to foreign nationals since President Donald Trump returned to office, citing criminal activity, fraud and national security risks. The State Department disclosed the figure on Monday, saying most cancellations followed law enforcement encounters involving criminal activity.
Why the State Department cancelled the visas
Assault, driving under the influence, theft and drug-related offences were among the leading reasons for visa revocations. Other cases involved reckless driving, sexual assault, child molestation, fraud, embezzlement and more serious offences including kidnapping, sexual battery, domestic violence and possession of child sexual abuse material.
The State Department said its continuous-vetting programme is designed to identify visa holders who violate the conditions attached to their visas, commit crimes, defraud Americans or pose public safety risks. It stressed that obtaining a US visa does not guarantee permanent permission to enter the country, describing a US visa as a privilege rather than a right.
Birth tourism and fraud cases targeted
The crackdown also extended to birth tourism. A US embassy in North Africa revoked more than 100 visas from parents accused of travelling to America primarily to give birth so their children could obtain US citizenship.
In one case, a foreign national accused of operating a healthcare-access business allegedly helped coordinate a Medicaid fraud scheme involving more than $5 million in fraudulent billing. Another individual was accused of fabricating company revenue figures and forging documents to mislead investors and fraudulently obtain a US visa.
Visas were also revoked for foreign nationals accused of making statements celebrating the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The administration argues that visa holders who endorse violence against Americans can lose their immigration privileges.
Foreign policy deportations and Nigeria
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has determined that some foreign nationals are deportable on foreign-policy grounds, including individuals linked to foreign governments or activities considered hostile to US interests. The cases cited include nationals from Cuba and Iran, as well as individuals from Laos and Kuwait.
Nigeria is among countries facing partial visa restrictions under current US policy, although valid visas issued before January 1, 2026, were not revoked under the relevant 2026 entry restrictions.
For Nigerians, the message is clear: a US visa is conditional and can be cancelled if immigration rules are broken. The latest figure signals stricter enforcement ahead for visa holders worldwide.