The U.S. government has escalated its immigration enforcement efforts, leading to the cancellation of approximately 80,000 non-immigrant visas since January. The targeted reasons for these revocations include criminal acts such as driving under the influence, assault, and theft, alongside violations of immigration rules and U.S. foreign policy. Driving under the influence alone accounted for around 16,000 revocations, with assault and theft also being major contributing factors. This crackdown is coupled with stricter vetting processes for individuals seeking entry, featuring expanded social media surveillance and deeper background screenings. Additionally, over 6,000 student visas were revoked in August for issues ranging from overstaying their permitted duration to engaging in activities contrary to visa conditions, with a portion of these cases reportedly connected to terrorism. U.S. officials are directing diplomats to meticulously assess visa applicants for any potential anti-American sentiments or political activism, signaling a firm stance on maintaining national security and adherence to U.S. policy.
