The Trump administration’s new visa review plan could impact over 55 million people, including tourists, students, and green card holders, with millions at risk of deportation.
In a controversial move, the Trump administration has announced plans to review the paperwork of more than 55 million people with US visas to identify violations that could jeopardize their ability to stay in the country. The sweeping review, which affects tourists, students, and green card holders, has raised concerns that it could lead to millions being deported.
The announcement, made on Thursday (August 21), is part of the administration’s broader strategy to ensure that foreign nationals in the US are not violating their visa terms. The review will focus on both those currently in the country and those holding multiple-entry tourist visas, as well as those with student or work visas.
Who Will Be Affected by the Visa Review?
According to Julia Gelatt, associate director at the Migration Policy Institute, the 55 million figure includes both those currently in the US and people who hold tourist visas that allow them to re-enter the country multiple times. People from countries eligible under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) will not be impacted, as long as they follow the VWP rules.
However, tourists who are not eligible for the program must hold a visa to enter the US, and if these holders are found to have violated their visa terms, they will face consequences such as visa revocation or even deportation if they are already in the country.
One of the more specific changes announced by the administration was the immediate suspension of worker visas for commercial truck drivers. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that foreign truckers are endangering American lives and undermining local truckers’ livelihoods.
What Violations Are Being Looked For?
The State Department will look for a range of violations, including:
Overstaying a visa
Criminal activity
Potential threats to public safety
Involvement in terrorist activities or supporting terrorist organizations
The department emphasized that it will review all available information, including law enforcement and immigration records, as well as social media accounts, to identify any potential ineligibility. This “continuous vetting” process means that even after a visa is issued, applicants will be continuously monitored for any signs of non-compliance.
Visa applicants are also required to turn off privacy settings on their phones and devices during interviews, allowing officials to access relevant information if needed.
Why Is the Trump Administration Cracking Down on Visas?
The State Department has justified this crackdown as part of the Trump administration’s ongoing commitment to protecting US national security and public safety. Since Trump’s inauguration, the administration has revoked more than twice as many visas, including nearly four times as many student visas, compared to the same period last year.
By implementing continuous vetting and enforcing strict visa compliance, the administration aims to reduce the number of individuals it deems to pose a threat to US safety.
