The U.S. State Department has revoked the visas of five foreign citizens who were arrested for driving under the influence (DUI/DWI).
According to a report by Daily Signal on Thursday, State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott stated that “these five foreign citizens disregarded U.S. laws, their reckless behavior on the roads endangered the safety of our citizens.”
“We will not allow foreign citizens who violate visa terms, break the law, and endanger American citizens to remain in the United States,” he added.
It is important to note that in the United States, driving under the influence is considered a serious criminal offense, resulting in a criminal record, fines, license revocation, and imprisonment.
The first foreign citizen was arrested for disturbance of peace, violent resistance to arrest, driving under the influence, and domestic violence.
Pigott said, “Such appalling and dangerous behavior that harms the American community is intolerable. This individual’s visa has been revoked.”
The second foreign citizen was arrested for DUI with nearly double the legal limit of alcohol in their blood, and there was also a minor in the vehicle at the time.
“Such reckless behavior that endangers the lives of children is unacceptable on American roads,” the State Department spokesperson stated.
The third foreign citizen was arrested for DUI with over three times the legal limit of alcohol in their blood. Despite participating in court-ordered DUI education programs, they still showed up intoxicated for subsequent classes.
“We will no longer offer second chances to foreign tourists who endanger the lives of Americans,” Pigott emphasized.
The fourth foreign citizen was arrested for DUI causing injury to others. The fifth foreign citizen was arrested for driving under the influence after consuming heroin, with their blood alcohol content exceeding three times the legal limit.
“The State Department always prioritizes the safety of American citizens,” Pigott stated. “Therefore, the State Department will continue to conduct ongoing reviews of visa holders to ensure that foreign citizens do not pose a threat to the American people.”
In an interview with Newsmax, the spokesperson pointed out that once foreign citizens enter the United States, “if they violate U.S. laws, if they breach visa terms, if they pose a threat to our national security, then that constitutes grounds for visa revocation.”