Trump Administration Expands Visa Reviews and Halts Certain Work Visas
The Trump administration says it is reviewing more than 55 million U.S. visas to check for possible violations that could lead to visas being canceled and, in some cases, deportation.
The State Department explained that all visa holders are under “continuous vetting.” This means officials regularly check for problems such as overstaying a visa, committing crimes, or supporting terrorist activity. If violations are found, visas may be revoked. If the person is in the U.S., they could be removed.
Since President Donald Trump took office, the number of revoked visas has more than doubled compared to the same period in the past, with student visas making up a large share.
Who Is Affected?
Experts note the 55 million includes many people outside the U.S. who hold tourist visas that allow multiple visits. Some question whether it makes sense to spend resources reviewing people who may not return.
In the U.S. last year, there were about 12.8 million green card holders and 3.6 million people with temporary visas, according to government data.
The administration is also expanding how it screens applicants. This includes reviewing social media accounts and requiring some electronic devices to be accessible during interviews.
Truck Driver Work Visas Paused
The administration also announced it will stop issuing worker visas for foreign commercial truck drivers. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the move is meant to protect U.S. truckers and improve safety on the roads.
The State Department later said this pause is temporary while it reviews how it screens drivers. The Transportation Department has also stressed English-language requirements for truckers after safety concerns.
Some experts argue the decision could make existing labor shortages worse, since foreign drivers have helped fill gaps in the trucking industry.
A Broader Crackdown
The Trump administration has added more rules for visa applicants, such as requiring in-person interviews and collecting more information. Officials said that since Trump returned to office, more than 6,000 student visas have been revoked for reasons including overstays, criminal activity, and terrorism-related cases.
Most travelers to the U.S. need a visa, unless they are from one of the 40 countries in the Visa Waiver Program, which allows short visits without one. Citizens from countries such as China, India, and Russia must apply for visas to enter.
