The Trump administration has launched a sweeping review of more than 55 million US visa holders and applicants as part of its latest immigration crackdown. According to the US State Department, all visa holders — including tourists — are now subject to “continuous vetting,” with violations leading to revocation and possible deportation.
Officials confirmed that indicators of ineligibility include overstaying visas, engaging in criminal activity, posing threats to public safety, or having links to terrorism. “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 State Department said in a written statement.
Work Visas for Foreign Truck Drivers Paused
The review coincided with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announcing a halt on visas for foreign truck drivers. The move followed a tragic crash in Florida, in which Indian-origin driver Harjinder Singh was named the prime suspect behind an accident that killed three people.
In a post on X, Rubio wrote, “The increasing number of foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailer trucks on US roads is endangering American lives and undercutting the livelihoods of American truckers.”
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The State Department said the pause was necessary to reassess “screening and vetting protocols.” In its statement, the department added: “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.”
Social Media and Ideological Screening
As part of the crackdown, US authorities have expanded vetting measures to include checks on social media accounts of visa holders and applicants. Officials said the screening will look for “hostility,” “anti-American activity,” and content promoting anti-Semitic ideologies.
“America’s benefits should not be given to those who despise the country and promote anti-American ideologies,” Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) spokesperson Matthew Tragesser said earlier this month.
With continuous monitoring now in place, millions of immigrants and applicants could face tighter scrutiny, cancellations, or deportation in the months ahead.
