The U.S. State Department announced on Thursday that its “continuous vetting” process applies to “all of the more than 55 million foreigners who currently hold valid U.S. visas,” a measure that includes individuals who have already been admitted into the country.
According to a department official, “The State Department revokes visas any time there are indications of a potential ineligibility, which includes things like any indicators of overstays, criminal activity, threats to public safety, engaging in any form of terrorist activity, or providing support to a terrorist organization.”
The State Department confirmed that all U.S. visa holders are subject to this “continuous vetting.” This process can lead to the revocation of their visas and potential deportation if new information emerges that makes them ineligible to remain in the country. In a written response to a query from The Associated Press, the department stated that this monitoring extends to all visa categories, including tourists. If concerns are raised, a visa can be canceled, and if the individual is already in the United States, they may face removal proceedings.
Since taking office, President Donald Trump has made deportations a central part of his policy, targeting not only migrants living in the country without authorization but also holders of student and visitor exchange visas. Officials conceded that the vetting process is time-consuming but noted that it is now far more extensive than before. This raises the possibility that even those with previously approved visas could have their permission to stay revoked without prior warning.
