US Visa Holders Under Scrutiny: 55 Million Faces 'Continuous Vetting'

The United States is launching a thorough evaluation of the records of 55 million visa holders, intending to verify if they have adhered to the conditions of their entry or stay in the country. A spokesperson for the State Department disclosed to the Associated Press that these individuals will now face "continuous vetting." If any signs of violations are discovered, such as overstays, criminal conduct, or links to terrorist activities, their visas will be revoked.

This initiative coincides with President Donald Trump's serious stance on immigration during his second administration, which has already seen mass deportations, extensive travel bans, and the revocation of thousands of student visas. As part of the broader review, potential visitors and students will undergo social media checks to uncover any negative sentiments toward the U.S. or its foundational ideals.

State Department personnel have been instructed to identify individuals who either support or advocate for foreign terror entities or engage in any antisemitic harassment or violence. Matthew Tragesser, representing US Citizenship and Immigration Services, emphasized the importance of ensuring that “America's benefits” are not accessible to those who harbor anti-American views.

This announcement follows Secretary of State Marco Rubio's declaration to halt the issuance of worker visas for truck drivers, citing safety concerns related to an increasing number of foreign drivers on the roads. Since Trump assumed office in January, arrests have been made of several international students protesting U.S. support for Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip.

Additionally, a recent policy mandates a substantial deposit from citizens of Malawi and Zambia seeking tourist or business visas. Trump's administration continues to enforce stringent immigration policies, including travel bans affecting nationals from twelve countries and restrictions on several others. Recent events also included temporarily revoking the legal status of over 500,000 migrants and proposals to end birthright citizenship.