Trump administration reviewing visa records of over 55mn foreigners

The Donald Trump administration is reviewing immigration and security records of over 55 million valid visa holders, according to the US State Department, as part of a broad effort to detect visa violations, criminal activity, and threats to national security.

Foreign nationals holding valid visas are being scrutinised for any potential breach of immigration law, violation of visa terms, involvement in criminal offences, or links to terrorism, officials said.

Based on the findings, authorities may cancel visas and begin the deportation process, even for individuals who entered the United States legally.

NDTV reports that, in a written response to an Associated Press query, the State Department said all visa holders are under “continuous vetting”.

If evidence emerges that a visa holder has violated conditions or is otherwise ineligible, their visa will be revoked. Those residing in the US may be deported, the report says.

Among the criteria being reviewed are: overstaying the authorised period, engaging in unlawful activity, posing a threat to public safety, involvement in any form of terrorist activity, or providing support to terrorist organisations.

"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 said.

Since taking office in January, President Trump has launched sweeping immigration enforcement actions, placing not just undocumented migrants but also legal visa holders under increased monitoring.

Since taking office in January this year, President Trump has initiated an extensive anti-immigration campaign.

This process now covers both legal visa holders and undocumented immigrants, expanding the scope significantly, with officials acknowledging it is a time-consuming procedure.

The State Department also confirmed a sharp rise in visa revocations since Trump assumed office, with the number more than doubling compared with last year.

Student visa cancellations have increased fourfold, with over 6,000 student visas revoked just this week alone.

Of those, around 4,000 were cancelled due to violations of visa conditions, while between 200 and 300 were revoked over terrorism-related issues.