US State Department Reviews 55 Million Visas for Violations

The Trump administration has launched a sweeping review of over 55 million valid U.S. visa holders, intensifying efforts to identify and deport individuals deemed ineligible due to overstays, criminal activities, threats to public safety, terrorist affiliations, or support for terrorist organizations. This expanded vetting initiative, which includes examining social media profiles and foreign law enforcement records, marks a significant escalation from earlier focuses primarily on student visa holders involved in political demonstrations. Since President Trump took office in his second term, the State Department has revoked over 6,000 student visas for violations ranging from criminal offenses to terrorism-related activities. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has defended visa suspensions for certain groups, such as Gazans, citing concerns about links to Hamas. The administration's approach has raised concerns among legal experts about potential overreach and the use of AI in the vetting process, which may overlook important nuances. This comprehensive review aligns with the administration's broader objectives to enhance national security and enforce immigration laws more rigorously.