Washington, D.C. – The United States has begun a sweeping review of the records of more than 55 million visa holders in an effort to identify potential violations of entry and residency conditions, according to officials.
A spokesperson for the State Department told the Associated Press that visa holders would now be subject to “continuous vetting”, a process aimed at detecting violations such as overstaying visas, involvement in criminal activity, threats to public safety, or links to terrorism. Officials said visas will be revoked if credible evidence of such violations is found.
Trump Administration’s Hardline Immigration Stance
President Donald Trump, who has made a hardline immigration policy the central focus of his second administration, has already introduced sweeping measures such as mass deportations, comprehensive travel bans on several countries, and the revocation of over 6,000 student visas.
The latest review is part of an even broader push to toughen entry requirements and strengthen monitoring of foreign nationals residing in the US.
Social Media Screening and Anti-American Sentiment
Under the new rules, prospective students and visitors will also be required to undergo social media vetting. Officials will examine online activity for any signs of hostility toward American citizens, institutions, government, or founding principles.
State Department officers have also been directed to flag individuals who “advocate for, aid, or support designated foreign terrorist organizations” or engage in activities deemed as unlawful antisemitic harassment or violence.
Matthew Tragesser, spokesperson for US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), defended the measures, stating:
“America’s benefits should not be given to those who despise the country and promote anti-American ideologies. USCIS is committed to implementing policies that root out anti-Americanism.”
Suspension of Work Visas for Truck Drivers
The announcement followed remarks by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who declared that the US would “immediately pause” the issuance of worker visas for foreign truck drivers.
In a post on X, Rubio warned:
“The increasing number of foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailer trucks on US roads is endangering American lives and undercutting the livelihoods of American truckers.”
Recent Crackdowns and Restrictions
Since Trump’s return to power in January, the administration has carried out a series of high-profile immigration crackdowns:
- Foreign students at US universities have been arrested for participating in protests against Israel’s war in Gaza, which Washington supports.
- Nationals of Malawi and Zambia are now required to pay a $15,000 (£11,300) bond when applying for tourist or business visas.
- Trump has imposed a full travel ban on citizens of 12 countries and partial restrictions on another seven.
- In May, his administration won court approval to temporarily revoke the legal status of more than 500,000 migrants residing in the US.
- Trump has also reiterated his vow to end birthright citizenship, a constitutional guarantee under the 14th Amendment.
What This Means Going Forward
The large-scale vetting of 55 million visa holders signals one of the most aggressive enforcement drives in US immigration history. Supporters of the measures argue they are necessary for national security and economic protection, while critics warn that they risk promoting discrimination, undermining civil liberties, and isolating international talent.
With visa holders now under continuous scrutiny, the United States is set to witness growing tensions between its tradition as a destination for global opportunity and the Trump administration’s tightening of immigration policies.
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