Trump Administration Reviews 55 Million U.S. Visa Holders for Violations

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration announced on March 15, 2024, that it is conducting a review of over 55 million individuals holding valid U.S. visas. This initiative aims to identify any violations that could lead to deportation, marking a significant escalation in the administration’s enforcement efforts regarding foreign nationals in the United States.

The U.S. State Department confirmed in a written statement to The Associated Press that all visa holders, including tourists from various countries, are subject to “continuous vetting.” This process aims to uncover any indications that these individuals may be ineligible to remain in the United States. If violations are identified, the relevant visa will be revoked, and holders within the U.S. may face deportation.

Focus on Visa Violations and Deportations

Since taking office, President Donald Trump has emphasized the deportation of individuals in the country illegally, as well as those holding student and visitor exchange visas. The latest initiative suggests that the continuous vetting process, acknowledged by officials as time-consuming, may extend beyond initial targets to potentially affect all approved visa holders.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, there were approximately 12.8 million green-card holders and 3.6 million temporary visa holders in the U.S. last year. The 55 million figure includes those currently outside the United States with multiple-entry tourist visas. Julia Gelatt, associate director at the Migration Policy Institute, expressed concern over allocating resources to individuals who may not return to the U.S.

The State Department is specifically looking for indicators of ineligibility, which may include overstaying visas, involvement in criminal activity, or any association with terrorism. The department stated, “We review all available information as part of our vetting, including law enforcement or immigration records or any other information that comes to light after visa issuance indicating a potential ineligibility.”

Changes to Worker Visas for Truck Drivers

In a related announcement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed that the U.S. will cease issuing worker visas for commercial truck drivers effective immediately. He cited concerns about the increasing number of foreign drivers operating large trucks as a risk to public safety and the livelihood of American truckers.

Rubio highlighted that the administration has previously enforced strict requirements for truck drivers, mandating proficiency in reading and speaking English to enhance road safety. The Transportation Department stated that the pause in processing these work visas aims to reassess screening and vetting protocols for foreign drivers.

Edward Alden, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, noted that foreign workers have played a crucial role in addressing labor shortages in the trucking industry. He indicated that these actions reflect a broader strategy to discourage American companies from hiring foreign workers, suggesting significant economic implications beyond the immediate visa restrictions.

Expanding Visa Holder Reviews

The administration has consistently tightened restrictions and requirements for visa applicants. The newly announced review of all visa holders represents a considerable expansion from earlier processes that primarily targeted students perceived to be involved in pro-Palestinian or anti-Israel activities.

Officials indicated that the reviews will incorporate a comprehensive examination of social media accounts, law enforcement, and immigration records from the visa holders’ home countries, alongside any violations of U.S. law committed while in the country. New requirements mandate that privacy settings on electronic devices be disabled during visa interviews to facilitate this scrutiny.

Since taking office, the Trump administration has reportedly revoked more than twice as many visas, including nearly four times as many student visas, compared to the same period in the previous year. The State Department noted that over 6,000 student visas have been revoked due to overstays and violations of laws, with a significant number related to criminal activities such as assault and driving under the influence.

As the review progresses, the implications of these measures for foreign nationals in the U.S. and for American industries reliant on foreign labor remain to be seen. The comprehensive nature of this initiative underscores the administration’s commitment to national security and public safety as it navigates complex immigration challenges.