US Revokes Over 80,000 Visas, Targets Nigerians, Other Foreign Nationals

US revokes over 80,000 visas, including Nigerians, under Trump administration.
Most cancellations tied to DUI, assault, theft, and security concerns.
Officials warn of deportation risks over anti-Israel or pro-Palestinian posts.

The United States Department of State has revoked more than 80,000 visas belonging to individuals from various countries, including Nigeria, as part of an extensive immigration enforcement campaign under President Donald Trump’s administration.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that in a statement released on Thursday, the department described the action as a fulfilment of Trump’s commitment to strengthening America’s borders and safeguarding national security. It branded the initiative as “promises made, promises kept,” noting that the move aligns with the administration’s national security agenda.

According to official figures from 2024, the majority of the visa revocations were linked to criminal and security-related offences. The breakdown revealed that 16,000 visas were revoked for driving under the influence (DUI), 12,000 for assault, and 8,000 for theft. Other reasons included terrorism affiliations, extremist activity, visa violations, and public safety risks.

A senior State Department official, quoted by Vanguard, disclosed that these top three offences represented nearly half of all cancellations recorded within the year.

The mass revocation is part of a broader immigration overhaul launched during Trump’s tenure, which expanded the screening and vetting process for visa applicants. Under the programme, consular officers were directed to review applicants’ social media activity, political leanings, and online behaviour before granting entry permits.

The policy has also coincided with a surge in deportations and a tougher stance on overstayed visas. In August, U.S. authorities confirmed the cancellation of more than 6,000 student visas over offences such as academic fraud, visa overstays, and legal violations. Officials further stated that some of these cases were linked to terrorism-related concerns.

In another development, visas belonging to six individuals were revoked over social media posts referencing the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced in May that hundreds — possibly thousands — of visas had been cancelled for activities considered hostile to U.S. foreign policy interests. Rubio explained that embassies and consulates worldwide had been instructed to scrutinise visa applicants for signs of anti-American sentiment or activism that might threaten national objectives.

Officials also warned that green card and visa holders could face deportation for expressing support for Palestinians or criticising Israel amid the ongoing Gaza conflict, suggesting such comments could be construed as sympathy for Hamas.