Trump Administration Revokes Over 175,000 Visas for Criminals and Fraudsters

Under President Donald Trump, the United States Department of State has revoked more than 175,000 visas from foreign nationals, according to an official fact sheet released by the federal agency on August 10, 2026. The sweeping cancellations targeted individuals who federal officials determined had violated the terms of their visas, committed criminal offenses, endorsed violence against American citizens, engaged in fraud, or otherwise endangered national security.

The vast majority of these visa revocations stemmed from law enforcement encounters involving a wide array of criminal activity. According to the State Department, offenses such as assault, driving under the influence (DUI), theft, and drug crimes served as the leading causes for the cancellations. Additional significant shares of the revocations resulted from reckless driving, sexual assault, child abuse, embezzlement, and various fraud schemes.

The continuous vetting operations driving these actions are designed to ensure that foreign nationals residing in or traveling to the United States strictly abide by the conditions of their legal status. Federal authorities emphasized that the ongoing review aims to root out individuals who pose a direct threat to public safety and national security.

Criminal Activity and Fraud Crackdowns

Federal officials detailed numerous specific instances involving violent crimes, sexual offenses, and elaborate financial fraud as part of the broader visa cancellation initiative. Among the cases highlighted by the State Department, foreign nationals faced charges including felony rape and sexual battery—including cases involving mentally disabled victims—as well as felony kidnapping, human trafficking, and the sexual exploitation of a minor.

Financial crimes also played a prominent role in the administration’s second-term enforcement agenda. The State Department pointed to cases such as a foreign national who operated a fraudulent business venture, faking revenue figures and deceiving investors to swindle millions of dollars. In another instance, federal authorities stated that a visa holder orchestrated a Medicaid scam billing more than $5 million for fake healthcare services.

Drug-related offenses and dangerous driving incidents further contributed to the figures. According to federal records, one foreign national was arrested for driving with heroin in their possession and a blood alcohol concentration exceeding three times the legal limit.

Birth Tourism and Foreign Policy Determinations

Beyond traditional criminal charges, the State Department targeted immigration system abuses, including illegal birth tourism operations. A U.S. embassy in North Africa revoked more than 100 visas issued to parents who traveled to the United States primarily to give birth so their children would automatically acquire U.S. citizenship.

Furthermore, Secretary of State Marco Rubio determined that numerous foreign nationals are subject to deportation on foreign policy grounds. These individuals include a Cuban national linked to a Cuban communist regime influence operation, Iranian nationals with connections to the Iranian government, a Laotian child sex offender, and a Kuwaiti national who publicly expressed desires for violence against the U.S. president and labeled Americans as enemies, according to the official State Department release.

Federal agencies have indicated that vetting operations will continue under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Rubio to identify and remove foreign nationals who breach U.S. immigration laws or endanger the public.