US State Department has yanked more than 175k visas under Trump administration so far
FIRST ON FOX: The U.S. State Department announced on Monday that it has revoked more than 175,000 visas during President Donald Trump's administration so far.
The announcement comes less than two years since Trump started his second term.
"Under President Trump, the United States Department of State has revoked more than 175,000 visas from foreign nationals who violated the terms of their visas, committed crimes, called for violence against U.S. citizens, defrauded Americans, abused our immigration system, or endangered national security," the State Department noted.
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"The majority of these visas were revoked due to law enforcement encounters for a range of criminal activity, with assault, driving under the influence, theft, and drug crimes being the leading causes. A significant share of visas were revoked for reckless driving, sexual assault, child abuse, fraud and embezzlement, and other crimes," according to the department.
The department pointed to some examples of individuals who allegedly committed heinous crimes.
It indicated some of the individuals whose visas were revoked included "A foreign national who was charged with felony rape and sexual battery – including of a victim who was mentally disabled" and "A foreign national charged with felony kidnapping, human trafficking, and sexual exploitation of a minor."
The department also pointed to the issue of birth tourism.
"A U.S. embassy in North Africa revoked over 100 visas for 'birth tourist' parents who came to the United States primarily to give birth so their children would get U.S. citizenship," the department noted.
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"Under President Trump and Secretary Rubio’s leadership, the State Department will continue to identify, investigate, and revoke the visas of foreign nationals who threaten the safety of the American people. A U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right. The Department remains committed to using every tool available to protect our communities from those who abuse it," the department declared.
Fox News' Nicholas Kalman contributed to this report.