The Trump administration announced Thursday that it is conducting a sweeping review of more than 55 million individuals who currently hold valid U.S. visas, examining them for potential violations that could trigger deportation. This move is part of a broader and intensified effort to clamp down on foreign nationals living in or traveling to the United States.
In a written response to a query from The Associated Press, the State Department confirmed that all U.S. visa holders, including tourists from various countries, are subject to “continuous vetting.” This process looks for any signs that could render a person ineligible to either enter or remain in the country.
If such information is uncovered, the visa will be canceled. Those who are physically present in the U.S. at the time of revocation would then be liable to deportation.
Since President Donald Trump assumed office, his administration has prioritized the removal of migrants living illegally in the U.S., along with individuals holding student and exchange visitor visas. The new wording from the State Department suggests the vetting process is now far more expansive than before, potentially affecting even those previously approved to stay in the country. Officials admitted the process is lengthy but emphasized its importance.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, there were 12.8 million green-card holders and 3.6 million people in the U.S. on temporary visas last year.
The figure of 55 million under review suggests that many of those affected might be outside the U.S., holding multiple-entry tourist visas. Julia Gelatt, associate director of the U.S. immigration policy program at the Migration Policy Institute, questioned the practicality of allocating resources to screen individuals who may not even return to the U.S.
The State Department outlined what it is monitoring, including overstays, criminal activity, threats to public safety, terrorism involvement, or any support for terrorist groups.
“We evaluate all available information in our vetting process, whether it comes from immigration or law enforcement databases, or from new details emerging after a visa is issued that may point to possible ineligibility,” the department explained.
No more worker visas for commercial truck drivers
In a related announcement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared Thursday on X that the U.S. would stop granting worker visas for commercial truck drivers, with the change taking immediate effect.
“The rising number of foreign drivers handling large trucks on American roads is putting citizens’ lives at risk and undermining the earnings of American truckers,” Rubio posted.
The Trump administration has already tightened enforcement of requirements that truck drivers must speak and read English proficiently. The Transportation Department said these measures are intended to improve highway safety after several accidents in which inadequate English skills were thought to be a factor.
Later on Thursday, the State Department added that processing of such visas was being paused to reassess its “screening and vetting protocols.”
“Protecting the livelihoods of U.S. truckers and ensuring every driver on the road meets top standards are essential to safety and to maintaining a strong, secure supply chain,” the department stated.
Edward Alden, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, argued that foreign workers have played a crucial role in addressing shortages in the U.S. trucking industry.
“This action is part of a broader campaign by the administration to discourage U.S. companies and institutions — including universities and hospitals — from employing or retaining foreign workers,” Alden wrote in an email.
He added: “The intent is not simply to single out certain professions but to warn U.S. employers that hiring foreign workers carries risks. The economic impact will stretch beyond just visa cancellations in a few job categories.”
New review of all visa holders seen as major expansion
Over recent months, the administration has rolled out additional requirements for visa applicants, including mandatory in-person interviews. The comprehensive review of all visa holders marks a significant broadening of a process that initially targeted mostly students suspected of engaging in activities perceived by the government as pro-Palestinian or anti-Israel.
Officials said the reviews would cover social media activity, immigration and law enforcement records from applicants’ home countries, as well as any breaches of U.S. law committed during their stay.
The State Department confirmed that new tools will be used for data collection on current and future visa applicants. This includes thorough checks of social media accounts, aided by new regulations that require visa seekers to disable privacy settings on phones and apps during interviews.
“As part of the Trump administration’s ongoing pledge to safeguard U.S. national security and public safety, the State Department has revoked more than twice as many visas since Inauguration Day, including nearly four times as many student visas, compared with the same period last year,” the agency reported.
Most foreign nationals seeking entry into the U.S. need visas, especially for study or long-term employment. However, citizens from 40 countries in Europe and Asia that are part of the Visa Waiver Program can visit for up to 90 days without applying for one.
For much of the world — including populous nations such as China, India, Indonesia, Russia, and most of Africa — visas remain mandatory for travel to the U.S.
Earlier in the week, the department disclosed that since Trump returned to the White House, more than 6,000 student visas had been revoked for overstays and violations of federal, state, or local laws. A majority of these violations involved assault, driving under the influence, or connections to terrorism.
Officials added that roughly 4,000 of these cancellations were due to direct lawbreaking, while around 200 to 300 were linked to terrorism-related offenses, including aiding designated terrorist groups or states that sponsor terrorism.
Published by Yahoo news 21/8/2025