By Zoila Palma: The United States has revoked 85,000 visas across all categories since January—more than double the number withdrawn last year—according to a State Department official.
More than 8,000 student visas were among those pulled as part of a sweeping effort to tighten immigration controls, monitor foreign nationals inside the United States, and limit new arrivals, CNN reports.
Nearly half of the revocations were linked to offenses such as driving under the influence, assault, and theft, while other cases reportedly involved visa overstays, expirations, or alleged ties to terrorism.
The surge in visa cancellations has drawn scrutiny from civil liberties advocates, particularly following revocations targeting international students engaged in protests against the war in Gaza.
Under President Donald Trump’s second term, the State Department has broadened its authority to deny or cancel visas, including new “enhanced vetting” steps for H-1B applicants working in content moderation and fact-checking roles.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has defended the administration’s aggressive stance, reinforcing new requirements for student visa applicants to disclose public social media profiles and undergo evaluations for “hostile attitudes” toward American culture or institutions.
Consular guidance warns that limited visibility into an applicant’s online presence may be interpreted as an attempt to conceal activities.
At the same time, immigration enforcement has intensified across federal agencies.
The Department of Homeland Security has expanded detention and deportation operations, halted refugee resettlement, and launched a review of all refugees admitted under the Biden administration.
The post International News: U.S. revokes 85,000 visas following expanded security crackdown appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: The United States has revoked 85,000 visas across all categories since January—more than double the number withdrawn last year—according to a State Department official. More than 8,000 student visas were among those pulled as part of a sweeping effort to tighten immigration controls, monitor foreign nationals inside the United States, and limit
The post International News: U.S. revokes 85,000 visas following expanded security crackdown appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
