The Trump administration has launched a tougher immigration enforcement effort by revoking visas issued to foreign nationals arrested for driving under the influence, with State Department officials saying the policy is aimed at protecting Americans from dangerous offenders.
“The Trump Administration is keeping reckless foreign drivers off our streets by revoking visas and denying further travel to the United States,” officials wrote in a statement. “The State Department is keeping our streets safe from foreign nationals who drive impaired, disregard laws, and endanger Americans.”
Among the individuals who recently lost their visas was a foreign national arrested on multiple charges, including drunk driving, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest with violence, and domestic violence.
“Outrageous and dangerous behavior that endangers American communities will never be tolerated,” officials wrote. “Visa revoked.”
The State Department also highlighted several additional cases involving foreign nationals whose visas have been canceled.
One individual was arrested for aggravated DUI after allegedly registering a blood alcohol level nearly twice the legal limit while a minor was riding in the vehicle. Officials emphasized that conduct placing a child’s life in danger on American roads would not be tolerated. Visa revoked.
Another foreign national was arrested after authorities determined the driver’s blood alcohol level exceeded three times the legal limit. Officials said the same individual later appeared intoxicated at a court-ordered DUI program. The department said there would be no additional opportunities for foreign visitors who jeopardize American lives. Visa revoked.
In another case, a foreign national was taken into custody for driving under the influence after allegedly causing injuries to another person. Officials said individuals who endanger Americans have no place in the United States. Visa revoked.
The State Department also revoked the visa of a foreign national arrested while allegedly driving with heroin and recording a blood alcohol level more than three times the legal limit. Officials said such conduct represented a blatant abuse of the privilege of entering the United States. Visa revoked.
“Under President Trump, the State Department will continue to revoke the visas of foreigners who endanger our citizens and will always put the safety of Americans first,” officials wrote.
The latest enforcement action follows another initiative led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, under which the State Department has also begun canceling visas issued to foreign nationals who have been arrested or convicted on fraud-related charges.
{Matzav.com}