According to The Associated Press, the U.S. State Department under the Trump Administration has confirmed that it is reviewing all 55 million foreigners currently holding valid U.S. visas for potential violations that could lead to revocation and eventual deportation.
Officials stated that every foreign visa holder is subject to what they call “continuous vetting” — a system that allows the government to monitor activity and re-assess eligibility after a visa has been issued.
“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 in a statement.
Grounds for visa revocation or deportation include:
- Overstaying visas
- Threats to public safety
- Supporting a terrorist organization
- Suspicious activity
- Engaging in any form of terrorist activity
Critics argue the sweeping review could amount to a broad effort to identify grounds for removal of migrants who are otherwise legally present in the United States.
Immigration attorneys note that visa revocation is a discretionary action that can trigger removal proceedings, even without criminal charges.
The policy echoes the administration’s hardline stance on immigration enforcement, raising concerns among civil rights groups about due process protections, selective enforcement, and the sheer scale of reviewing tens of millions of records.
The State Department has not clarified how many visas have been revoked under this effort or what percentage of holders might be impacted, but advocates warn the initiative could create an atmosphere of uncertainty for millions of lawful visitors and residents.
