The U.S. State Department said it is re-screening the records of more than 55 million foreigners who hold valid U.S. visas, expanding what officials describe as a “continuous vetting” system intended to identify any deportable violations overlooked at the time of issuance or that arose later. The review covers all visa categories, from tourists and students to temporary workers and green-card holders who remain abroad but retain multi-entry permits. In a written response to the Associated Press, the department said visas can be revoked at any time if indicators emerge of overstays, criminal activity, threats to public safety, engagement in terrorist acts or material support for terrorism. Visa holders already in the United States would then become subject to removal proceedings. Officials said the new scrutiny builds on earlier efforts that have already led to the cancellation of more than 6,000 student visas since President Donald Trump’s second term began in January. Secretary of State Marco Rubio added that, effective immediately, the United States has paused the issuance of worker visas for commercial truck drivers while screening protocols are reviewed, citing public-safety concerns after a recent fatal crash involving an undocumented driver. The administration’s broader clampdown follows a series of policy changes requiring in-person interviews for nearly all visa applicants and mandatory disclosure of social-media activity during consular processing.
Under President Donald Trump, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency has become the driving force of his sweeping crackdown on migrants. But staff are contending with long hours and growing public outrage over the arrests. https://t.co/OCSQ5VIjD4
ICE has become the driving force of U.S. President Donald Trump's crackdown on migrants, but staff are contending with long hours and growing public outrage over the arrests. https://t.co/YdLwQIIvua
Under Trump, ICE receives record funding and expanded powers for immigration raids, amid backlash. https://t.co/48T7gQKIXa