“All of the more than 55 million foreigners who currently hold valid U.S. visas,” including those who have already been allowed to the country, are subject to the ongoing screening conducted by the U.S. State Department, a department official stated on Thursday.
“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,” said the official.
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According to the State Department, all holders of U.S. visas are subject to “continuous vetting,” which might result in their visas being revoked and their expulsion if new evidence becomes available that renders them unfit to be in the country.
The government stated that the surveillance is applicable to all visa categories, including visitors, in a written answer to a query from The Associated Press. A visa may be canceled if issues are raised, and if the person is already in the country, removal procedures may be initiated.
President Donald Trump has prioritized deportations since taking office, targeting not only illegal immigrants but also those with student and tourist exchange visas.
Although the vetting procedure is time-consuming, officials said it is now far more extensive than it was previously, increasing the risk that even people with previously granted visas may have their authorization to remain unexpectedly withdrawn.
