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 intensifies its immigration crackdown.

Most of the revocations were linked to criminal activity, visa violations, fraud, calls for violence and other conduct deemed to pose potential threats to public safety or national security, according to a fact sheet released by the State Department on Monday.

“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 offences were among the leading reasons for the cancellations.

Specific cases cited by the department included a person charged with felony rape and sexual battery, another charged with kidnapping and human trafficking, and a person facing more than a dozen counts of possessing child sexual abuse material.

A US embassy in North Africa revoked more than 100 visas from “birth tourist” parents who allegedly came to the United States primarily to give birth so their children would receive US citizenship, it said.

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

In January, the department said it had revoked more than 100,000 visas, a record at the time.

The administration has also adopted a stricter policy on granting visas, with tightened social media vetting and expanded screening.