US revokes 85000 visas amid safety push | JQJO

The United States has revoked 85,000 visas this year, including more than 8,000 held by students, a senior State Department official said, citing DUIs, assaults and theft as nearly half the cases. The official, speaking anonymously, said vetting remains stringent, especially for applicants from high risk environments and Afghanistan, and officers will take as long as needed before issuing any visa. Addressing new policies, the official called free speech fundamental and noted a May visa restriction targeting foreigners who censor Americans, while stressing case by case decisions amid heightened scrutiny of immigration and security procedures since 2021.