The Trump administration is implementing stricter travel restrictions from various countries to the US following the rejection of thousands of visa applications.
The Department of State has announced that the US government has revoked 100,000 visas since Donald Trump assumed office again.
After taking his position, Trump committed to initiating ‘the largest deportation program in American history’ as part of his efforts to remove ‘criminals’ from the country.
The Republican leader emphasized his intention to deport any immigrant residing in the US without legal authorization, asserting: “I will rescue every city and town that has been invaded and conquered, and we will put these vicious and bloodthirsty criminals in jail, then kick them the hell out of our country as fast as possible.”
On January 12, it was reported that the State Department had already revoked over 100,000 visas, which included approximately 8,000 student visas and 2,500 specialized visas for individuals who had encounters with US law enforcement.
Furthermore, Trump’s focus extends to scrutinizing who is permitted entry into the US.
The President has announced an indefinite suspension on the processing of immigrant visas for 75 countries, thereby limiting their access to the US.
On January 14, the State Department explained on X that this move aims to curb ‘the abuse’ of the immigration system by those exploiting welfare and benefits to drain American resources.
The order, effective January 21, has yet to disclose the complete list of the 75 affected countries.
“The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people,” stated Tommy Pigott, Principal Deputy spokesperson for the US State Department, according to the BBC.
The Department revealed that countries such as Somalia, Haiti, Iran, and Eritrea are included on the list, as immigrants from these nations often become public charges upon entering the US.
It added: “We are working to ensure the generosity of the American people will no longer be abused.”
However, the Associated Press reports that the visa suspension will not affect non-immigrant tourist or business visas.
This decision follows the administration’s announcement to immediately stop asylum applications for Afghan nationals after an Afghan immigrant was charged in connection with the November shooting of two National Guard members in Washington.