The United States government has announced that it is reviewing the records of more than 55 million foreigners who currently hold valid U.S. visas. The decision was confirmed by the State Department on Thursday, which said the process could lead to visa revocations and deportations in cases where violations are found.

In a written reply to a question from the Associated Press, the State Department explained that all visa holders are now subject to “continuous vetting”. This means the government will constantly monitor and review information about visa holders to check if they remain eligible to stay in the U.S.

The department made it clear: “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.”

What could lead to visa revocation?

The State Department said that officials are looking for several signs of ineligibility. These include visa overstays, criminal activity, threats to public safety, terrorist activity, or providing support to a terrorist organisation.

If such information is found, the individual’s visa will be cancelled. The department said, “Should such information be found, the visa will be revoked, and if the visa holder is in the United States, he or she will be subject to deportation.”

Officials also explained that the review will include checking the visa holders’ social media accounts, immigration and law enforcement records in their home countries, and any violations of U.S. laws committed during their stay.

Trump administration expands visa restrictions

Since returning to office, President Donald Trump has made immigration and national security a top priority. His administration has already focused on deporting undocumented migrants and closely reviewing student and visitor exchange visas.

The State Department revealed, “As part of the Trump Administration's commitment to protect U.S. national security and public safety, since Inauguration Day the State Department has revoked more than twice as many visas, including nearly four times as many student visas, as during the same time period last year.”

Earlier this week, officials also said that over 6,000 student visas have been revoked since Trump came back to the White House. Out of these, about 4,000 were due to violations of U.S. laws, such as assault and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Another 200–300 visas were revoked for terrorism-related reasons, including providing support to terrorist groups or countries that sponsor terrorism.

The new step of reviewing all 55 million visa holders is seen as a major expansion of the earlier policy. Initially, the focus was mainly on students linked with political activities, but now the process covers all types of visas.

The administration has also added more requirements for new applicants, such as mandatory in-person interviews, and has made the vetting process stricter.

Officials admitted that this kind of mass re-vetting is time-consuming. However, they insist it is necessary to protect U.S. national security and public safety.

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