The US government is embarking on a thorough review of over 55 million visa records to determine compliance with entry conditions, with a focus on national security and public safety.
US Initiates Comprehensive Review of 55 Million Visas to Enhance Immigration Security
US Initiates Comprehensive Review of 55 Million Visas to Enhance Immigration Security
Measures announced aimed at tightening immigration controls and ensuring visa compliance among millions of holders.
The US government has announced it will conduct a detailed review of the records of more than 55 million visa holders to ensure compliance with entry and stay conditions. This initiative, highlighted by a spokesperson from the State Department, emphasizes "continuous vetting" of these individuals. As part of this initiative, visas may be revoked if holders are found to have overstayed their authorized period, engaged in criminal activities, posed a threat to public safety, or supported terrorist activities.
This move aligns with President Trump's intensified focus on immigration control during his second term, as seen through mass deportations and travel bans against specific countries. In this broader review, officials will also assess the social media presence of prospective students and visitors to identify any expressions of hostility against the US and its core values.
State Department officials have been instructed to be vigilant for individuals who advocate for or aid designated terrorist organizations, or engage in antisemitic harassment. Matthew Tragesser, a spokesperson for US Citizenship and Immigration Services, emphasized that US benefits should not be afforded to individuals who express anti-American sentiments, signaling a rigid stance against such ideologies.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio's recent declaration included a halt on issuing worker visas for truck drivers, citing safety concerns regarding the current influx of foreign drivers, which he argues jeopardizes American lives and jobs. The administration has also faced scrutiny for arresting some foreign students protesting US foreign policy, particularly regarding the Gaza Strip.
Additionally, new requirements for visitors from Malawi and Zambia include a significant $15,000 deposit, while Trump’s administration has imposed travel restrictions on citizens from twelve countries and temporarily revoked legal statuses for numerous migrants. This trend raises questions about the future implications of strict immigration policies under this administration.
