The U.S. State Department announced Thursday that it is conducting a sweeping review of more than 55 million foreigners who currently hold valid U.S. visas, assessing whether any are in violation of immigration rules or national security standards.
In a written response to a query from The Associated Press, the department explained that all visa holders are subject to “continuous vetting” to determine if they remain eligible to enter or stay in the United States.
Should investigators uncover evidence of ineligibility — such as criminal activity, visa overstays, or links to terrorism — the individual’s visa would be revoked. If that person is already in the United States, they would face deportation proceedings.
The department highlighted several key red flags that could lead to action against a visa holder, including:
“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 statement said.
The announcement underscores the Biden administration’s efforts to strengthen immigration enforcement amid growing concerns about border security and domestic safety. While the State Department has not disclosed how many visas might be at risk of revocation, officials stressed that the review process is ongoing and data-driven.
More details may emerge as the department coordinates with federal law enforcement and immigration agencies in the months ahead.
Credit: AP
