Over 175,000 Foreign Visas Revoked Since Trump's Reelection, State Department Says

The announcement appears to be part of a broader crackdown on foreigners who threaten the safety of American citizens.

Most visa revocations originated from contact with law enforcement. Assault, drunk driving, theft, and drug-related offenses were singled out as the main causes. The State Department explained that drunk driving in particular can become a significant ground for revocation when it is repeated, suggesting that even minor offenses can lead to revocation if they recur.

Birth tourism refers to foreigners visiting the United States to give birth so that their children obtain U.S. citizenship. The department made clear that visits for this purpose can be grounds for visa revocation.

Fraud cases also formed an important part of the State Department's enforcement. Officials cited a foreigner accused of leading a multimillion-dollar Medicaid fraud scheme by billing more than $5 million for fake medical services. Large-scale fraud of this kind was a direct ground for revocation.

The visa was eventually revoked once the misconduct came to light. This shows that the integrity of the visa application process is important.

One foreigner said that "Democrats don't complain when a fascist dies," and another said that "Kirk died too late." The visas of those who made such statements were revoked, and the department explained that revocation leads to deportation.

Many immigrants and people in Korea may not fully understand Charlie Kirk's standing. He was not simply a young man; he accomplished a great deal for his age. He led a nationwide campaign, and the Turning Point USA organization he led is already structured nationwide, with clubs established on campuses across the country. Kirk is regarded as a figure of major importance in the American conservative movement.

The most important thing Kirk demonstrated in action was his "Let's Talk" campaign. He actively argued "let's speak" and "let's debate me," trying to prove through dialogue that free democracy is superior. The campaign was described as embodying a living spirit of democracy.

For example, Paula White, an influential pastor at the White House Faith Office located right next to the President's Oval Office, was reportedly an enthusiastic supporter of Kirk's Turning Point USA. This shows that Kirk held considerable influence within the administration beyond being a mere activist.

Kirk decided readily to visit Korea, on the other side of the world. He had been invited by "One Build Up Korea," led by Kim Min-hwa, but he explained that being invited does not mean he would unconditionally travel a great distance. Still, his decision to go to Korea is regarded as remarkable. During his visit, he reportedly heard that Pastor Son Bo-hyun could be detained and said that if Son were arrested, he would find a way to get him out.

Kirk judged that a serious religious persecution problem was unfolding in Korea, and he sent a text message directly to Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing his wish to discuss the matter. He reportedly sent the same message to Vice President JD Vance. This shows his deep concern about the situation in Korea and his access to senior U.S. officials.

The chat is reportedly conducted on secure messengers such as Signal or Telegram. He voiced concern that Korea could fall to China and posted that the issue should be discussed. This shows that Kirk took the situation in Korea seriously and sought the attention of the Trump administration.

After returning to the United States, Kirk learned that Pastor Son Bo-hyun had been detained, as expected. He had promised "I will definitely get you out," but by then the situation had already unfolded. Kirk then tried to address the wrongful imprisonment of Son on his podcast. He asked Rev. Lam Mecoy to gather materials, and Mecoy agreed. The broadcast was scheduled for Thursday, but it fell through when Mecoy was assassinated on Wednesday.

He then decided to return to the United States and continue the campaign from there. This shows that the campaign to free Son had expanded to an international level.

Ambassador Molstan accompanied Pastor Son Bo-hyun's eldest son, Son Chan-yang, when he went to the White House. Inside the White House, when a meeting on Christian persecution was held, Molstan conveyed the story of Pastor Son, including his own account. At an international event on Christian persecution held at the Kennedy Center the day after the White House meeting, Pastor Son's case was presented before representatives from around the world, and the panelist on stage presenting it was Molstan. This shows that Ambassador Molstan actively took part in the campaign to free Pastor Son.

The Korean government has suspended his departure and intends to proceed with the trial. Although Pastor Son was released after five months in custody once Vice President JD Vance met with Kim Min-seok and requested his release, Molstan, who had campaigned for that release, is now stuck in Korea.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio also judged that numerous foreigners could be deported for foreign policy reasons beyond visa revocation, the department said. This suggests that visa revocation can rest not only on legal violations but also on diplomatic and political judgments.

The State Department cited Hubaa nationals linked to influence operations of the Hubaa communist regime and Iranian nationals tied to the Teran regime as grounds for revocation and deportation. It also deported a Laotian national who committed child sexual assault despite having received a pardon from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. A Kuwaiti national who expressed a desire for violence against Trump and called Americans enemies was also included among those to be deported. These cases show that a range of conduct threatening U.S. national security and citizens' safety can lead to revocation and deportation.

The State Department said it will continue to identify and investigate foreigners who threaten the safety of U.S. citizens and revoke their visas. It particularly stressed that a U.S. visa is a "privilege," not a "right." The idea that "having a visa means a right to enter the United States" is mistaken, the department said, adding that the government's position is that it granted the privilege of visiting the United States and is now being met with nonsense. The department added that it promises to use every available means to protect local communities from those who exploit them.