USA Trump's Visa Hunt: Over 55 Million Under Scrutiny

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of AP

 

The Trump administration is on a mission, launching a massive review of over 55 million visas held by foreign individuals in the US. In a bold move announced Thursday, every visa is under the microscope for violations that could lead to deportation. The State Department revealed all visa holders are subject to “continuous vetting” to identify any ineligibility for staying in the US.

 

Should a violation emerge, revocation of the visa and potential deportation could swiftly follow. Since Donald Trump took office, deportation of migrants and revocation of student and exchange visitor visas have surged. This new language hints at an unprecedented scale of vetting, potentially affecting even those who previously enjoyed approval to reside in the US.

 

The review specifically targets visa overstays, criminal activities, threats to public safety, and ties to terrorism. “We review all available information,” the department explained. The aim is to catch anything from law enforcement records to newly discovered potential ineligibilities.

 

In an unexpected twist, the US will no longer issue work visas to commercial truck drivers. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced this abrupt policy shift, citing safety concerns and the economic impact on American drivers. The Transportation Department has been pushing for English proficiency among truck drivers to enhance road safety, following incidents linked to language barriers.

 

This expansive review of visa holders is a significant increase from previous practices, which focused mainly on students with alleged anti-Israel activities. The Trump administration's tougher stance means scrutinising everything from social media to immigration records, looking for any violations of US law.

 

The new vetting tools involve intense data collection from past, present, and prospective visa applicants. These measures include mandatory disclosures of electronic device information during visa interviews, reported the Associated Press (AP).

 

The administration's firm stance has led to a spike in revocations, with twice as many visas rescinded compared to the same period last year, and nearly fourfold for student visas.

 

MosForeigners who are considering moving to the US need a visa, especially for long-term stays.e The Visa Waiver Program allows nationals from 40 countries, mainly in Europe and Asia, to stay temporarily without a visa.wHowever, the inclusion of populous nations such as China, India, and Russia means that the citizens of these countries must navigate the lengthy visa process.

 

SinSince Trump’s return to office, more than 6,000 student visas have been revoked due to overstays and legal violations—chiefly involving assault, DUI charges, and terrorism support. those, around 300 were specifically related to terrorism, highlighting the administration’s stringent stance on national security.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from AP 2025-08-22

 

[Mr Meeseeks]

When Thailand does it, it is seen a positive, rounding up criminals, keeping people safe etc.

 

When Trump does it, unfair, against human rights, racist etc. 

 

Can't have it both ways peeps.