The Trump administration announced on Thursday that it is reviewing over 55 million valid U.S. visas for any violations that could result in deportation. This action is part of a broader crackdown aimed at foreigners who are legally present in the United States. According to the State Department, all visa holders are subject to "continuous vetting" to identify any indications of ineligibility for permission to enter or remain in the country.
If any information suggesting ineligibility is discovered, the visa will be revoked. Visa holders currently in the U.S. would then face deportation. Since taking office, President Donald Trump’s administration has prioritized deporting unauthorized migrants and those with student and visitor exchange visas. The recent statements from the State Department indicate that this vetting process is expanding, potentially affecting those who were previously approved to stay in the U.S.
As of last year, there were approximately 12.8 million green-card holders and 3.6 million individuals on temporary visas residing in the United States. The 55 million figure indicates that many individuals under review may be outside the U.S. with multiple-entry tourist visas. Julia Gelatt of the Migration Policy Institute raised concerns about the effectiveness of allocating resources toward reviewing individuals who may never return to the U.S.
The administration is specifically looking for signs of ineligibility, such as overstaying a visa, engaging in criminal activity, threatening public safety, participating in terrorist activities, or providing support to terrorist organizations. The State Department stated that all available information, including law enforcement and immigration records, will be considered during this vetting process.
In a related announcement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that the U.S. will cease issuing worker visas for commercial truck drivers, effective immediately. Rubio emphasized that the growing number of foreign drivers operating trucks in the U.S. poses a danger to safety and undermines the livelihoods of American truckers. This decision aligns with the administration’s recent enforcement of English language requirements for truck drivers, aimed at enhancing road safety.
Edward Alden from the Council on Foreign Relations commented that foreign workers have been crucial in addressing labor shortages in the trucking industry. However, he noted that this move appears to be part of a larger trend aimed at discouraging American businesses from employing foreign workers, signaling potential economic consequences beyond the visa restrictions.
The administration has continuously imposed additional restrictions on visa applicants, requiring in-person interviews and expanding the scope of review to include social media accounts and law enforcement records. This new comprehensive review process signifies a notable extension of previous efforts that primarily targeted students involved in what the government views as anti-Israel activities.
The reviews will now utilize enhanced data collection methods, including extensive social media screening as mandated by recently introduced requirements. The State Department reported that since Inauguration Day, it has revoked more than twice the number of visas, including nearly four times the number of student visas, compared to the same time frame the previous year.
The majority of foreigners seeking entry into the U.S. require visas, particularly those planning to study or work for extended periods. Notably, citizens from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program can visit the U.S. for up to three months without a visa, while those from highly populated nations, such as China and India, must obtain a visa to travel to the U.S.
Recently, the State Department indicated that it has revoked over 6,000 student visas for violations, predominantly due to issues such as assault and DUI offenses, as well as a small number linked to terrorism-related activities. The department's actions highlight a growing intensity in monitoring visa compliance and enforcing stricter regulations on visa holders in the United States.
