The US Has Revoked More Than 175,000 Visas Under President Trump's Administration

Illustration of the United States visa. (Wikimedia Commons/Zboralski)

JAKARTA - The United States Department of State on Monday stated that it had revoked more than 175,000 visas belonging to foreign nationals during President Donald Trump's administration.

The revocation was made on the grounds of criminal activity, violations of visa provisions, fraud, calls for violence, and other threats to national security.

According to the fact sheet released by the department, most of these visa cancellations began with interactions with law enforcement involving criminal activity.

Acts of abuse, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, theft, and drug-related violations are some of the main reasons for the cancellation.

Other cases include reckless driving, sexual assault, child abuse, fraud, and embezzlement.

"This revocation is the result of ongoing background check operations conducted by the State Department to ensure that visa recipients comply with their visa requirements and do not harm Americans," the statement said, according to Anadolu (11/8).

The department said the Trump administration will continue to identify and investigate foreign nationals deemed to threaten the safety or national security of the United States.

"US visas are a privilege, not an absolute right," the State Department said, adding that it would continue to use its existing authority to revoke the visas of those who abuse the privilege.