Washington: The Trump administration announced it is reviewing the records of more than 55 million people holding valid U.S. visas for potential violations that could lead to deportation, signaling an expanded crackdown on foreigners authorized to be in the United States.
In response to a question from The Associated Press, the State Department said all visa holders—including tourists from many countries—are subject to “continuous vetting” to identify any circumstances that could render them ineligible to enter or remain in the U.S. If issues are found, the visa may be revoked, and the individual could face deportation if already in the country.
Since taking office, President Donald Trump’s administration has focused on deporting unauthorized migrants as well as certain holders of student and visitor exchange visas. The State Department’s recent statements indicate that this vetting process, while time-consuming, is being applied more broadly and could affect even those previously approved to stay in the United States.
The department said it is looking for indicators such as overstaying visa limits, criminal activity, threats to public safety, involvement in terrorism, or support for terrorist organizations. “We review all available information as part of our vetting, including law enforcement or immigration records or any other information that comes to light after visa issuance indicating a potential ineligibility,” it said.
In related action, the U.S. will no longer issue worker visas for commercial truck drivers, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Thursday on X, effective immediately. “The increasing number of foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailer trucks on U.S. roads is endangering American lives and undercutting the livelihoods of American truckers,” Rubio said. The department did not provide immediate figures on how many foreign truck drivers currently work in the U.S.
The administration has also reinforced English language requirements for truckers to improve road safety, following incidents where limited English skills may have contributed to traffic fatalities. Visa applicants are now increasingly required to attend in-person interviews as part of tighter scrutiny.
Officials said the expanded reviews will cover all visa holders’ social media activity, law enforcement and immigration records in their home countries, and any violations of U.S. law while in the United States. New data collection tools will examine past, present, and future applicants, including social media accounts, and applicants must disable privacy settings on devices during visa interviews.
“As part of the Trump Administration’s commitment to protect U.S. 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 period last year,” the department said.
Most foreigners seeking to study or work in the U.S. require visas. Exceptions are limited to short-term visitors from 40 countries under the Visa Waiver Program, allowing stays of up to three months without a visa. However, citizens of highly populated countries such as China, India, Indonesia, Russia, and most of Africa must obtain visas to travel to the U.S.
Earlier this week, the State Department reported that it has revoked more than 6,000 student visas since Trump returned to office, primarily for overstays or violations of local, state, and federal law, including assault, driving under the influence, and support for terrorism. About 4,000 of these were due to actual legal infractions, while 200–300 were related to terrorism, including support for designated terrorist organizations or state sponsors of terrorism.
