More than 175,000 foreign nationals have lost permission to travel to the United States in one of the largest visa-enforcement campaigns disclosed by the country’s government.
The figure represents the cumulative number of visas revoked under the current Trump administration. It does not mean that all 175,000 cancellations occurred on 10 August. That was the date on which the State Department publicly announced the new total.
Officials said visas were cancelled when their holders allegedly violated immigration conditions, committed crimes, defrauded Americans, encouraged violence or presented national-security risks. Most cases reportedly followed encounters with law-enforcement authorities.
Assault, driving under the influence, theft and drug-related offences were identified as the most common reasons. The department also highlighted individual cases involving allegations of sexual violence, kidnapping, human trafficking and possession of child-abuse material.
More than 100 visas were reportedly cancelled by an American embassy in North Africa in cases involving suspected “birth tourism.” Authorities accused the affected parents of travelling primarily to give birth in the United States so their children would receive American citizenship.
Some cancellations were based partly on online statements. Officials said visas belonging to several foreign nationals were withdrawn after they posted messages celebrating the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The development shows that a person’s digital history can continue affecting their immigration position even after a visa has been granted.
The total has increased sharply. In January, the department announced that more than 100,000 visas had been revoked—a record at that time. The latest disclosure indicates that at least another 75,000 cancellations have been recorded since then.
The administration argues that continuous screening protects American communities and ensures that visa holders continue obeying the conditions under which they entered the country. It has strengthened background checks, increased social-media examination and adopted a more restrictive approach to new applications.
Rights advocates see a different danger. They warn that poorly defined standards involving political speech, online comments or criticism of government policy could discourage lawful expression and place foreign students, workers and visitors under constant digital surveillance.
A revoked visa can prevent its former holder from travelling to the United States. For people already inside the country, the consequences depend on their immigration status and individual circumstances; cancellation does not automatically establish criminal guilt. The announcement did not provide a complete breakdown by nationality, visa category or the number of people currently inside the United States.
The disclosure marks a major change in how international travel permission is treated. A visa is no longer being examined only when someone applies or arrives at a border. Under continuous vetting, it can be reconsidered months or years after issuance because of a police encounter, immigration concern or online activity.
For millions hoping to study, work, conduct business or visit family in America, the message is unmistakable: receiving a visa may open the door, but the government is now watching more closely than ever for reasons to close it again. The new total and stated grounds were announced on 10 August 2026.
