The Trump administration is reviewing the records of more than 55 million US visa holders for possible violations of immigration rules, raising the prospect of widespread visa revocations or deportations.
The State Department confirmed that all foreigners with valid visas are now subject to what it called “continuous vetting,” a process designed to detect whether individuals are ineligible to hold such documents. The announcement was first reported by the Associated Press.
“The State Department revokes visas any time there are indications of a potential ineligibility, which includes things like any indicators of overstays, criminal activity, threats to public safety, engaging in any form of terrorist activity, or providing support to a terrorist organization,” a department spokesperson said.
This expansion of vetting follows Tuesday’s announcement by the Trump administration that it will begin assessing “anti-American” views, including on social media, as part of the immigration application process.
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said it would extend its monitoring of online activity for people seeking to stay in the United States or become citizens. “Reviews for anti-American activity will be added to that vetting,” the agency confirmed.
“America’s benefits should not be given to those who despise the country and promote anti-American ideologies,” said USCIS spokesperson Matthew Tragesser. “US Citizenship and Immigration Services is committed to implementing policies and procedures that root out anti-Americanism and supporting the enforcement of rigorous screening and vetting measures to the fullest extent possible. Immigration benefits – including to live and work in the United States – remain a privilege, not a right.”
The concept of anti-Americanism has historically been tied to communism, but since taking office in January, the Trump administration has moved to deny or revoke visas for people considered to oppose US foreign policy, particularly on issues concerning Israel. Recent guidance to immigration officials instructed them to assess whether applicants “promote antisemitic ideologies.”
The administration has accused some students and universities of antisemitism and support for terrorism, citing participation in protests against Israel’s military operations in Gaza. Activists have denied the charges.
In April, hundreds of international students had their legal status revoked or changed, only to be reinstated weeks later. The following month, student visa interviews were suspended temporarily, and in June, new rules required international students to provide access to their social media accounts for review before being granted visas. Officials said those who refused risked being seen as concealing their activity.
On Monday, the State Department disclosed that 6,000 student visas had been revoked since Secretary of State Marco Rubio took office in January. According to the department, the “vast majority” of those cases – around 4,000 – involved visa holders who broke US laws, including assault, driving under the influence, burglary, or alleged support for terrorism.
