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U.S. Puts All 55 Million Visa Holders Under Continuous Vetting

Officials say reviews will mine social media to flag violations that can cost holders their visas.

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SAN FRANCISCO - JULY 6: People wait in line to get their passport applications submitted at the United States passport agency office July 6, 2007 in San Francisco, California. United States Congressman Tom Lantos (D-CA) toured the agency to try to find some solutions to the backlog of renewals and new passport applications. The State Department has ordered about 350 young diplomats and recently employed civil servants to help clear a crushing backlog of passport applications. The backlog has led to major processing delays and disrupted thousands of Americans' summer travel plans. (Photo by David Paul Morris/Getty Images)
Stock photograph showing passengers waiting in line to use the Automated Passport Control Kiosks set up for international travellers arriving at Miami International Airport on March 4, 2015 in Miami, Florida.

Overview

  • State Department officials confirmed that all valid U.S. visa holders are under ongoing re‑screening for potential ineligibility, with revocation and possible deportation if violations are found.
  • Indicators include visa overstays, criminal offenses, threats to public safety, engaging in terrorist activity, or providing support to designated groups.
  • Reviews will examine social media activity as well as law‑enforcement and immigration records from the United States and abroad gathered after visas were issued.
  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced an immediate pause on issuing worker visas for commercial truck drivers.
  • Officials reported more than 6,000 student visas revoked since January, with 200–300 tied to terrorism‑related concerns, as a student‑focused effort broadened to all visa categories.