The Trump administration has revoked more than 175,000 US visas, according to the US State Department

The US State Department has revoked more than 175,000 visas issued to foreign nationals since President Donald Trump returned to office, as his administration steps up its immigration enforcement efforts.

According to a fact sheet released by the State Department on Monday, most of the visa cancellations were linked to criminal activity, visa violations, fraud, calls for violence and other conduct considered potential threats to public safety or national security.

“The revocations come as a result of the State Department’s continuous vetting operations, which ensure that visa recipients abide by the terms of their visa and do not endanger Americans,” the department said.

Assault, driving under the influence, theft and drug-related offences were among the main reasons cited for the visa cancellations.

The department also highlighted several specific cases, including an individual charged with felony rape and sexual battery, another facing kidnapping and human trafficking charges, and a person accused of more than a dozen counts of possessing child sexual abuse material.

A US embassy in North Africa also revoked more than 100 visas from so-called “birth tourists” who allegedly travelled to the United States primarily to give birth so their children could obtain US citizenship, the department said.

“A US visa is a privilege, not a right,” the State Department said, adding that it would continue to use its legal authorities to revoke visas from individuals who abuse that privilege.

In January, the department reported that it had revoked more than 100,000 visas, which was a record at the time.

The Trump administration has also introduced tougher visa policies, including stricter social media vetting and expanded screening procedures.