US reviews 55 million visas as Trump administration escalates immigration crackdown

The Trump administration has begun reviewing 55 million U.S. visas to detect violations like overstays, crimes, or extremist activity. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also paused visas for foreign truck drivers after a deadly crash. Officials say increased vetting, including social media checks, aims to safeguard security and protect American livelihoods.

The Trump administration has launched a sweeping review of more than 55 million U.S. visa holders and applicants, intensifying its immigration crackdown. The U.S. State Department confirmed that all visa categories, including tourist visas, are now subject to “continuous vetting” to check for violations that could result in deportation.

Officials said they are examining potential ineligibility indicators such as overstaying visas, engaging in criminal activity, posing public safety threats, or supporting terrorism. If violations are discovered, the individual’s visa will be revoked, and deportation proceedings will begin if they are already in the United States.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced an immediate pause on all work visas for foreign truck drivers after an Indian-origin driver was linked to a fatal crash in Florida. Rubio argued that foreign truckers were “endangering American lives” and harming U.S. truckers’ livelihoods. The State Department said the halt would allow time to strengthen screening and vetting protocols.

This move follows the administration’s order to monitor social media activity of visa holders and applicants. Authorities are checking posts for signs of “anti-American” or extremist ideologies, including anti-Semitic content. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has stressed that U.S. benefits should not extend to individuals hostile to the country.

Also Read: 79 Killed in Fiery Bus Crash in Afghanistan Amid Surge in Forced Returns from Iran

The enhanced measures mark one of the most extensive immigration reviews in U.S. history, signaling stricter scrutiny of both current visa holders and new applicants as Trump pushes tougher national security and domestic safety policies.