The Trump administration has announced a review of more than 55 million people currently in the United States on valid visas, examining potential violations that could result in deportation.
According to The Associated Press, the State Department confirmed that all visa holders are subject to “continuous vetting,” which allows the government to determine if there are grounds to deem them ineligible to remain in the country. If a visa is revoked, the holder would be subject to removal. The AP reported that the State Department is conducting a broad review of visas, which would apply to 55 million foreigners, and comes amid already tightened requirements for applicants under President Trump.
In the 2024 fiscal year, nearly 11 million temporary visas were issued, not including green cards or permanent residency, according to the Migration Policy Institute. Of these visas, 77 percent were for business and tourism, while about 7 percent were for students, academic visitors, and their families.
The review will include scrutiny of visa holders’ social media activity, law enforcement and immigration records from their home countries, and any US legal violations committed while residing in the country.
“As part of the Trump Administration’s commitment to protect US national security and public safety, since Inauguration Day the State Department has revoked more than twice as many visas, including nearly four times as many student visas, as during the same time period last year,” the State Department said.
Earlier this week, the State Department revealed that more than 6,000 student visas have been revoked since Trump took office, citing cases of overstays or violations of law. On social media, the department stated, “Every single student visa revoked under the Trump Administration has happened because the individual has either broken the law or expressed support for terrorism while in the United States.”
