WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is reviewing more than 55 million valid U.S. visa holders for any violations that could lead to their deportation.
The Associated Press reports that the move is part of a growing crackdown. The crackdown targets foreigners who are permitted to be in the United States.
Responding to a question from The Associated Press on Thursday, the State Department stated that all U.S. visa holders, including tourists, are subject to “continuous vetting.” This is to decide whether any may be ineligible for permission to enter or stay in the United States.
If such information is discovered, the visa will be revoked. If the visa holder is in the United States, they may face deportation.
Since President Donald Trump took office, his administration has focused on deporting migrants who are in the United States illegally. This includes holders of student and visitor exchange visas.
The State Department’s new directives show that the ongoing vetting process is much more extensive and time-consuming. This could result in even individuals who have been approved to stay in the U.S. having their permissions suddenly revoked.
The Department of Homeland Security reported that there were 12.8 million green card holders and 3.6 million individuals in the U.S. on temporary visas as of last year.
The Trump Administration visa review includes visa holders living outside the USA.
The 55 million figure suggests a significant point. Some people subject to review are outside the United States with multiple-entry tourist visas. This observation was made by Julia Gelatt, Associate Director of the U.S. Immigration Policy Program at the Migration Policy Institute.
She questioned the value of spending resources on people who may never return to the United States.
The State Department said it was looking for indicators of ineligibility. These include people staying past the authorized time frame outlined in a visa and criminal activity. They also encompass threats to public safety, engaging in any form of terrorist activity, or providing support to a terrorist organization.
“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,” the department said.
The U.S. will stop issuing worker visas for commercial truck drivers. Secretary of State Marco Rubio made this announcement on Thursday on X. He stated that the change took effect instantly.
“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 posted.