The Trump administration announced Thursday it has initiated a comprehensive review of more than 55 million people holding valid U.S. visas, searching for any violations that could result in deportation as part of an expanding enforcement operation targeting foreign nationals permitted in the United States.
The baffling number of people holding U.S. visas sent shockwaves on social media Thursday afternoon.
The State Department confirmed to the Associated Press (AP) that all U.S. visa holders face “continuous vetting” designed to identify any information suggesting they may be ineligible for permission to enter or remain in America.
When such disqualifying information surfaces, officials will revoke the visa immediately, and visa holders currently in the United States would face deportation proceedings.
The sweeping review represents a dramatic expansion of immigration enforcement since President Donald Trump returned to office, building on his administration’s existing focus on deporting migrants who entered illegally and holders of student and visitor exchange visas.
The State Department’s new policy language indicates the continuous vetting process extends far beyond previous enforcement efforts and could affect even individuals previously approved to remain in the country, who may suddenly find their permissions canceled.
Approximately 12.8 million green-card holders and 3.6 million people on temporary visas were present in the United States last year, according to Department of Homeland Security data, representing a substantial population now under enhanced scrutiny.
The massive scope of the review encompasses tourists, students, workers and other foreign nationals who obtained legal permission to enter the United States through various visa programs.
Julia Gelatt, associate director of the U.S. immigration policy program at the Migration Policy Institute, noted the 55 million figure suggests some individuals under review currently reside outside the United States with multiple-entry tourist visas.
She questioned the effectiveness of allocating resources toward people who may never return to America.
The review process will examine individuals who may have departed the United States but retain valid visas for future travel, creating a global surveillance network monitoring foreign nationals with American travel privileges.
State Department officials said they are searching for specific indicators of ineligibility, including individuals who overstayed their authorized visa timeframes, engaged in criminal activity, posed threats to public safety, participated in terrorist activities or provided support to terrorist organizations.
Officials emphasized their commitment to protecting national security through enhanced screening measures that go beyond initial visa approval processes.
“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,” the department stated, as outlined by AP.
The administration simultaneously announced it will cease issuing worker visas for commercial truck drivers, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio making the announcement Thursday on social media platform X, declaring the change effective immediately.
“The increasing number of foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailer trucks on U.S. roads is endangering American lives and undercutting the livelihoods of American truckers,” Rubio posted.
AP reported that the Trump administration has recently intensified enforcement of requirements mandating truckers demonstrate proficient English speaking and reading abilities as part of broader safety initiatives.
The Transportation Department explained these measures aim to improve road safety following incidents where drivers’ inability to read signs or communicate in English may have contributed to traffic fatalities.
Federal transportation officials have documented cases where language barriers created dangerous situations on American highways, prompting calls for stricter communication requirements.
The State Department later announced it was suspending processing of trucker work visas to review “screening and vetting protocols” while developing enhanced security measures.
“Ensuring that every driver on our roads meets the highest standards is important to protecting the livelihoods of American truckers and maintaining a secure, resilient supply chain,” the department declared, per AP.
The suspension affects thousands of foreign nationals who had planned to work in the American trucking industry, creating immediate uncertainty for transportation companies that depend on international workers.
The post Trump Admin Launches Massive Review of a Staggering 55 Million Visa Holders in Unprecedented Immigration Crackdown appeared first on Resist the Mainstream.
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Author: Jordyn M.
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