The US government's new initiative requires a thorough examination of visa holders, enforcing strict compliance with immigration laws and promoting national security.
US Launches Comprehensive Review of Visas to Ensure Compliance with Immigration Laws
US Launches Comprehensive Review of Visas to Ensure Compliance with Immigration Laws
The review aims to assess over 55 million visa holders for compliance with US immigration rules.
The US State Department is undertaking a significant review encompassing more than 55 million visa holders to verify whether they have adhered to the rules governing their entry or stay in the country. This initiative, announced by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, entails "continuous vetting" of individuals holding US visas. An official indicated that visas could be revoked if there are signs of overstays, criminal activity, threats to public safety, involvement in terrorism, or support for terrorist organizations.
Under the administration of President Donald Trump, who has intensified anti-immigration rhetoric, policies have evolved to include mass deportations and travel restrictions from specific nations, along with the annulment of about 6,000 student visas. As part of this comprehensive assessment, prospective students and visitors to the US will now undergo social media scrutiny to identify any expressions of animosity toward US citizens, culture, government, or foundational principles.
Matthew Tragesser, a spokesperson for US Citizenship and Immigration Services, emphasized the request to deny benefits to those who harbor anti-American sentiments, underscoring the commitment to eradicating such ideologies from entering the country. The review also coincides with Rubio’s announcement of an immediate halt on worker visas for truck drivers, citing safety concerns related to an influx of foreign drivers affecting American livelihoods.
Since the beginning of Trump’s term, multiple foreign students have been detained at US universities for protesting the US-supported Israeli actions in the Gaza Strip. Additionally, the recent visa policies now mandate that citizens from Malawi and Zambia pay a deposit of $15,000 for entry into the US for tourism or business purposes. Trump has previously instituted travel bans impacting foreign nationals from twelve countries and partially restricted entry from seven others, while also revoking the legal status of over 500,000 migrants in the US and asserting intentions to abolish birthright citizenship.
