Trump administration to review status of 55 million U.S. visa holders

The Trump administration has announced a comprehensive review of records belonging to more than 55 million US visa holders as part of an expanded immigration enforcement initiative that could lead to widespread deportations.

The State Department confirmed that all foreigners currently holding valid US visas will be subject to “continuous vetting” to identify any evidence that could render them ineligible for their documentation, including those already residing within the United States.

Under the new policy, visa holders face ongoing scrutiny of their activities and compliance with immigration regulations. Should authorities discover evidence suggesting ineligibility, the affected individual’s visa would be revoked immediately.

Those found to be in violation whilst physically present in the United States would become subject to deportation proceedings, marking a significant escalation in the administration’s immigration enforcement strategy.

The review encompasses the records of all 55 million current visa holders, representing one of the largest immigration compliance operations in US history.

Social media monitoring

The visa review announcement follows Tuesday’s revelation that the Trump administration will examine applicants’ social media accounts and other communications for “anti-American” views when assessing immigration applications.

This expanded screening process aims to identify individuals whose expressed opinions or associations might disqualify them from remaining in the United States or obtaining future immigration benefits.

A State Department spokesperson outlined the broad categories that could trigger visa revocations: “The State Department revokes visas any time there are indications of a potential ineligibility, which includes things like any indicators of overstays, criminal activity, threats to public safety, engaging in any form of terrorist activity, or providing support to a terrorist organisation.”

Implications for existing visa holders

The policy change affects individuals across all visa categories, from temporary visitors and students to skilled workers and their dependants.

The “continuous vetting” approach means that actions or associations developed after initial visa approval could now result in revocation.