State Department Announces Revocation of 80,000 Nonimmigrant Visas in the US

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The Trump administration has prioritized national security, leading to the revocation of 80,000 nonimmigrant visas for various violations since January, according to a State Department official.

Driving under the influence, theft, and assault have emerged as the most common offenses linked to these visa cancellations, stated Tommy Pigott, the State Department’s deputy spokesperson.

“The United States will not tolerate foreigners on visas who break our laws. Being in this country is a privilege, not a right,” Pigott emphasized during an interview on “Elizabeth Vargas Reports” on Friday.

In response to inquiries about whether some foreign visitors were targeted due to their viewpoints, Pigott described the visa revocations as a matter of national security.

The Trump administration has tightened social media vetting and expanded screening for visas. Earlier this year, the State Department said the White House had revoked thousands of student visas for reasons that included overstays and, in a small number of cases, support of terrorism.

The department said last month it had revoked the visas of at least six people over social media comments about the Sept. 10 assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

The Trump administration has come under fire for trying to expel individuals born in other countries, including former Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil, a green card holder, for supporting Palestinians and criticizing Israel during the war in Gaza. White House officials say some protesters have threatened U.S. foreign policy or have been supportive of Hamas.

“If you take actions, such as breaking our laws, supporting terrorism, or actions that counter the terms of your visa … you may see that visa revoked,” Pigott said.