World · Malaysia Bureau
US revokes over 175,000 visas in sweeping criminal activity crackdown
The US State Department has cancelled more than 175,000 visas as part of an intensified security vetting programme targeting individuals with criminal records. Drunk driving, assault and theft feature among the primary offences that triggered the visa revocations.
LSN Malaysia ·
The mass visa cancellations represent a significant escalation in the United States' approach to immigration screening and represent one of the largest single purges of visa holders in recent years. The State Department's announcement signals a hardening stance on criminal background checks and the enforcement of existing visa conditions.
According to the department, the revocation process was initiated through an enhanced vetting programme designed to identify visa holders with criminal histories. Among the offences cited as primary triggers for cancellation are drunk driving convictions, assault charges and theft-related crimes. The scope of the operation suggests a comprehensive review of existing visa records across multiple categories.
The initiative reflects broader concerns within the US administration about border security and the screening of foreign nationals entering the country. Officials have emphasized that the vetting programme uses available criminal justice data to identify individuals who may pose security or public safety risks.
Visa holders affected by the cancellations will be required to cease their status in the United States, with authorities working to identify and process affected individuals. The scale of the revocation process has raised questions about administrative procedures and timelines for affected visa holders seeking to appeal or clarify their status.