The U.S. State Department is conducting “continuous vetting” of more than 55 million visa holders, with thousands already facing revocation and deportation as part of President Trump’s aggressive immigration crackdown.
The United States Department of State has confirmed that it is reviewing the records of more than 55 million foreigners with valid U.S. visas for possible revocation or deportable violations of immigration rules.
In a written response to The Associated Press on Thursday, the department said all visa holders are subject to “continuous vetting” to determine whether they remain eligible to hold the documents. Officials said revocations could occur if visa overstays, criminal activity, threats to public safety, or links to terrorist activity or organizations are detected. “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 statement read.
Those whose visas are revoked while in the U.S. may face deportation. Since taking office in January, President Donald Trump has overseen a sweeping crackdown on immigration, targeting undocumented migrants and those with legal status. The New York Times estimated this week that the government is on track to deport 400,000 people in 2025.
The enforcement drive has included large-scale raids at workplaces such as restaurants, farms, and construction sites, as well as arrests in courthouses where migrants attend civil appointments. In addition, the administration has moved to roll back humanitarian parole and Temporary Protected Status programs that have allowed hundreds of thousands to live and work in the U.S.
Student visa holders have also been affected. The State Department said 6,000 student visas have been revoked this year, officially citing legal violations or expressions of support for terrorism. However, rights groups say many cases involved students participating in pro-Palestinian protests or publishing opinion pieces, actions protected under free speech. Others, they argue, had no links to activism at all.
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