Over 175,000 US visas have been revoked under President Donald Trump's administration, sparking concerns among foreign nationals and immigration advocates. The US Department of State announced the figure on August 10, 2026, citing a significant increase in visa cancellations compared to previous reports.
Visa Revocations Skyrocket Under Trump
The State Department attributed the majority of cancellations to law-enforcement encounters, with the leading reasons including assault, driving under the influence (DUI), theft, and drug offenses. Other cases involved reckless driving, sexual assault, child abuse, fraud, and embezzlement. The department also cited foreign nationals who had been arrested or charged in cases involving serious allegations, including sexual battery, kidnapping, human trafficking, and possession of child sexual abuse material.
Birth Tourism and Speech-Based Vetting Under Fire
The administration has faced criticism from immigration and civil-rights advocates over speech-based vetting, particularly where social media activity is involved. The State Department highlighted a case involving Tou Lue Vang, a Laotian national and sex offender who had previously been pardoned by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Vang's case was cited as part of the foreign-policy-related enforcement actions.
Visa Holders on High Alert
The State Department emphasized that getting a US visa does not mean a foreign national is permanently protected from further scrutiny. The department has expanded continuous vetting and online-presence screening for certain visa applicants, while other Trump administration measures have introduced visa restrictions and suspensions affecting nationals of several countries. For Nigerians and other travellers with US visas, complying with the terms of their visa matters even after it has been issued.
Continuous Review and Scrutiny
The State Department has made it clear that it will continue reviewing visa holders and revoking visas where it determines that individuals no longer meet the requirements or pose public-safety, national-security, or foreign-policy concerns. The latest figures show that visa holders must remain vigilant and compliant to avoid having their visas revoked. As the Trump administration continues to expand its vetting and enforcement efforts, foreign nationals with US visas must be aware of the risks and take necessary precautions to avoid losing their visa status.
Source: Pulse.ng
