Thousands of Nigerians among 80,000 foreign nationals who lost U.S visas

Thousands of Nigerians among 80,000 foreign nationals who lost U.S visas

In one of the most extensive immigration enforcement actions in recent history, the United States Department of State has revoked the visas of more than 80,000 individuals—including Nigerians and other foreign nationals—as part of a broad initiative under President Donald Trump’s administration.

The move, announced in a statement released Thursday, aligns with the administration’s pledge to safeguard U.S. national interests and security. The department described the action as “promises made, promises kept.”

Visa revocations were based on a range of offenses, including assault, theft, and driving under the influence (DUI). Data from 2024 revealed that 16,000 visas were revoked for DUI-related offenses, 12,000 for assault, and 8,000 for theft. Additional grounds included terrorism links, extremist activity, public safety risks, and violations of visa conditions.

A senior State Department official, speaking anonymously, noted that these three offenses alone accounted for nearly half of all revocations this year.

The visa crackdown is part of a broader immigration policy launched at the onset of the Trump administration, which included heightened deportations and stricter visa screening. The government also expanded its vetting process to include comprehensive reviews of applicants’ social media activity and affiliations.

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In August, the department confirmed the revocation of over 6,000 student visas due to legal violations and overstays, with a few cases linked to terrorism-related concerns. At least six individuals also lost their visas over social media posts related to the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated in May that hundreds—possibly thousands—of visas had been revoked for actions deemed contrary to American foreign policy priorities. He said diplomats were instructed to scrutinize applicants for signs of anti-American sentiment or political activism that could pose a threat to U.S. interests.

Officials further warned that visa and green card holders could face deportation for expressing support for Palestinians or criticizing Israel amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. Such expressions, they argued, could be interpreted as support for Hamas and deemed inconsistent with U.S. foreign policy.

The sweeping visa revocations underscore the administration’s aggressive stance on immigration and national security, raising questions about the balance between enforcement and civil liberties in the global arena.

Thousands of Nigerians among 80,000 foreign nationals who lost U.S visas