After Washington shooting, Trump administration gets tough; 85,000 U.S. visas cancelled this year

Washington (The Uttam Hindu): Following the recent shooting incident in Washington, the Trump administration has cancelled 85,000 visas across different categories this year. A senior State Department official said the decision was taken to enhance community safety and enforce public security standards. According to the official, more than 8,000 cancelled visas belonged to students, more than double compared to last year.

Another official, speaking anonymously, said the revocations were linked to cases where foreign nationals were allegedly involved in attacks, theft, and other crimes in the U.S. He added that individuals who pose a direct threat to American communities will not be allowed to stay in the country.

The official further stated that the Trump administration has tightened screening for applicants from high-risk regions. Speaking about Afghanistan, he noted that after the withdrawal of U.S. troops in 2021, the administration has remained concerned about security risks and wants to ensure visa applicants do not pose any threat.

He clarified that visa processing will not be rushed. Authorities will take as much time as needed, and no visa will be issued unless officials are fully confident that the applicant is safe for the country. When asked about the criteria for rejection, he said the administration’s recently introduced policies provide the basis for denial, and decisions are not made based on a single factor.

He added that freedom of expression is an important American value, and the administration is committed to protecting Americans from foreign individuals who may cause harm. While determining a visa applicant’s eligibility, officials review the person’s complete background before making a decision.

This strict visa screening process comes at a time when the U.S. is improving its immigration and vetting systems after the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan. Thousands of Afghans are seeking resettlement or visas under special American programs, and U.S. officials have repeatedly emphasized that all Afghan applicants must clear multiple layers of security checks.