Trump Govt Reviews 55 Million US Visa Holders For Possible Deportation

The US State Department has announced that it is reviewing the records of over 55 million valid visa holders worldwide, assessing them for possible revocation or deportation if violations are found.

"In line with our policies, all visa holders are subject to continuous vetting," the department said in a written response to the Associated Press. "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."

According to officials, grounds for cancellation include criminal conduct, public safety risks, engagement in "terrorist activity," or offering support to a "terrorist organisation." In such cases, visas would be revoked, and those already inside the United States may face deportation.

Truck drivers targeted

The announcement coincided with a separate move by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who revealed on Thursday that the government is halting the issuance of worker visas for commercial truck drivers. On X, Rubio alleged that foreign truckers were "endangering American lives and undercutting the livelihoods of American truckers."

The decision sparked strong reactions. Republican congressman Josh Williams posted, "55 million visas is simply an incomprehensible number and a betrayal of working Americans who are now forced to compete in the same job and housing market as millions of people who shouldn't be here."

Immigration attorney Charles Kuck, however, argued that the policy went too far. "With this, the dismantling of the Statue of Liberty will soon follow," said Kuck, founding partner of Kuck Baxter Immigration.

It is important to note that the 55 million figure refers to global valid visa holders, not individuals currently living in the US. The Migration Policy Institute estimates that only 2 to 3 million temporary visa holders reside in the country, while the overall foreign-born population, including citizens and permanent residents, ranges from 48 to 53 million.

Social media checks for 'anti-American' views

This review comes shortly after the Trump administration announced it would begin screening visa applicants for "anti-American" sentiments, with their social media activity forming part of the evaluation.

Matthew Tragesser, spokesperson for US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), said, "America's benefits should not be given to those who despise the country and promote anti-American ideologies. Immigration benefits - including to live and work in the United States - remain a privilege, not a right."

USCIS confirmed that assessments of "anti-American activity" will be added to the existing vetting process.

Tougher enforcement since January

Since President Trump assumed office in January, his administration has widened enforcement measures, moving beyond undocumented migrants. Raids have been carried out in restaurants, construction sites, farms, and even courthouses.

According to The New York Times, the US is on pace to deport 400,000 people in 2025. Authorities have also withdrawn humanitarian parole and Temporary Protected Status, protections that had previously allowed hundreds of thousands from crisis-hit nations to remain in the country.

Impact on international students

Students have faced a wave of disruptions this year. In April, hundreds of international students had their visa statuses revoked or altered, before most were reinstated weeks later. May saw a pause in visa interviews, while in June new rules required applicants to grant officials access to their social media accounts before being granted education or exchange visas.

Earlier this week, the State Department disclosed that it had revoked 6,000 student visas since January, citing around 4,000 cases linked to offences such as assault, burglary, drink-driving, and support for terrorism.