USA Revokes Over 80,000 Visas — Nigerians Hit Hard In Sweeping Crackdown

The United States Department of State has revoked the visas of more than 80,000 individuals — including Nigerians and citizens of several other nations — as part of a sweeping immigration enforcement campaign under President Donald Trump’s administration.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The move, announced in a statement on Thursday, was described by the State Department as a fulfilment of Trump’s pledge to strengthen border security and protect U.S. national interests. The department labelled the operation “Promises Made, Promises Kept,” emphasizing that the action aligns with the administration’s broader national security strategy.

According to official 2024 data, the majority of visa cancellations stemmed from three major offences: assault, theft, and driving under the influence (DUI).

• 16,000 visas revoked for DUI

• 12,000 visas revoked for assault

• 8,000 visas revoked for theft

Other revocations were linked to terrorism-related activities, extremist affiliations, public safety threats, and visa violations.

A senior State Department official, quoted by Vanguard on condition of anonymity, said the three leading offences accounted for nearly half of all visa cancellations this year.

The development forms part of the broader immigration overhaul launched under Trump, which tightened screening procedures and expanded vetting protocols. Under the policy, U.S. consular officers began conducting extensive background checks on applicants’ social media history, political affiliations, and online behaviour.

The crackdown also coincided with a rise in deportations and tougher penalties for visa overstays and other immigration infractions.

In August, the State Department confirmed the cancellation of over 6,000 student visas for offences including overstaying, academic fraud, and criminal violations. Officials disclosed that a small number of those cases were linked to terrorism concerns.

Additionally, visas belonging to at least six individuals were revoked after they made social media posts referencing the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed in May that hundreds — possibly thousands — of visas had been cancelled for conduct considered hostile to American foreign policy interests.

He said U.S. diplomats around the world had been instructed to scrutinize applicants for anti-American sentiment or political activism that could threaten national objectives.

Officials further warned that visa and green card holders risk deportation for public expressions of support for Palestinians or criticism of Israel amid the ongoing Gaza conflict, noting that such statements could be interpreted as sympathising with Hamas.