The United States Department of State has announced that it is currently reviewing the records of over 55 million foreigners who hold valid US visas. This review aims to identify any potential violations of immigration rules that may warrant revocation of their visas or deportation. In a statement provided to The Associated Press, the department emphasized that all US visa holders undergo a process of “continuous vetting” to check for indicators of ineligibility.
The Department of State clarified that this continuous vetting is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the US immigration system. This process involves scrutinizing various forms of information for any signs that a visa holder may no longer meet eligibility requirements. Should any concerning information surface, the visa in question can be revoked. Additionally, if the visa holder is currently residing in the US, they may face potential deportation.
Among the indicators being monitored are visa overstays, involvement in criminal activity, threats to public safety, engagement in any form of terrorist activity, or providing support to a terrorist organization. The Department of State stated, “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.”
Since assuming office in January, US President Donald Trump has initiated a comprehensive crackdown on immigration, targeting both those with legal status and undocumented migrants. Initially, the government indicated that the focus would be on deporting dangerous criminals. However, recent reports from the New York Times suggest that thousands of individuals are being arrested daily, with projections estimating that the government may deport up to 400,000 people in 2025.
The government has intensified efforts to apprehend working immigrants through unprecedented raids in various sectors, including restaurants, construction sites, and farms. Immigration agents have also targeted courthouses, arresting individuals attending civil appointments necessary for legalizing their immigration status.
In addition to these efforts, the government has sought to roll back programs such as humanitarian parole and Temporary Protected Status (TPS). These programs have historically provided hundreds of thousands of individuals from various countries facing adverse conditions the legal right to live and work in the United States.
The ongoing review and enforcement actions underscore the current administration's commitment to a stringent immigration policy, which continues to impact millions of individuals living in the US.
