US cancels nearly 175,000 visas under Trump’s immigration crackdown

The United States has revoked nearly 175,000 visas as part of the Trump administration’s tougher immigration policies, with thousands more foreign nationals losing other travel and immigration-related privileges.

The US State Department disclosed the figure in a document released Monday. The cancellations have largely involved criminal activity, visa violations, fraud and conduct deemed a threat to national security.

The department cited cases involving assault, drunk driving, theft and drug-related offences, as well as more serious allegations including rape, kidnapping and human trafficking.

In one case, a US embassy in North Africa revoked more than 100 visas, targeting people who allegedly travelled to the United States seeking citizenship for children born there.

The department also said foreign nationals who celebrated the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on social media were among those whose visas were revoked.

The Trump administration has also tightened visa screening, including increased scrutiny of applicants’ social media activity.

The State Department said a visa is a privilege rather than a right and that the US would not make exceptions for people considered a threat to national security.

Human rights advocates have criticised the expanded social media screening, warning that it could have implications for freedom of expression.

Source: Al Jazeera

SKS