The United States Department of State has begun reviewing the records of more than 55 million foreign nationals holding valid US visas to identify potential violations of immigration rules. This review, aimed at increasing visa vetting, could result in revocations and deportations if visa holders are found to be ineligible under US immigration laws. The announcement came just before US Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed that the issuance of all worker visas for foreign commercial truck drivers would be suspended. Rubio claimed that foreign truck drivers were “endangering American lives” and undermining the livelihoods of US truckers.
In a statement to The Associated Press, the State Department confirmed that all US visa holders are subject to ongoing “continuous vetting” to identify any indications of ineligibility. The review process includes looking for visa overstays, criminal activity, threats to public safety, involvement in terrorism, or support for terrorist organizations. Should any such information be uncovered, the visa will be revoked, and the individual may face deportation if already in the US.
This move comes as part of a broader crackdown on immigration initiated by President Donald Trump, which has targeted both legal and undocumented immigrants. Although initially focused on dangerous criminals, the government has expanded its efforts, with thousands being arrested daily, and estimates suggest that 400,000 people may face deportation in 2025. The administration has carried out raids at workplaces, including restaurants, farms, and construction sites, and has even arrested individuals attending civil court appointments for immigration purposes.
Additionally, the government has worked to reduce humanitarian protections, including the rollback of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and humanitarian parole. These programs had allowed hundreds of thousands of people from countries facing difficult conditions to live and work in the US. Student visa holders have also been targeted, with the State Department revoking the visas of 6,000 students this year alone. While the department asserts these individuals either broke the law or supported terrorism, many of the revocations have been linked to students participating in pro-Palestinian protests or engaging in protected free speech activities, such as writing opinion pieces.
