US Begins Review of 55 Million Valid Visa Holders for Violations

• Aug 22, 2025

The United States government has confirmed that it is reviewing the records of more than 55 million foreigners who currently hold valid US visas, a move that could lead to revocations and even deportations for those found in violation of immigration rules.

In a written response to The Associated Press on Thursday, the Department of State explained that all visa holders are subject to “continuous vetting.” This process allows authorities to identify whether new information arises that may render a visa holder ineligible. If such findings are made, the visa is revoked. Those already inside the US would also face possible deportation.

The department said it is particularly focused on signs of ineligibility such as overstaying visas, engaging in criminal activity, posing threats to public safety, or having ties to terrorism or terrorist organizations. Officials emphasized that information is reviewed from multiple sources, including law enforcement databases and immigration records, and even evidence that comes to light after a visa has been granted.

Since assuming office in January, President Donald Trump has intensified his administration’s crackdown on migration. While early statements suggested the focus would be on dangerous criminals, thousands of migrants—both undocumented and with legal status—have been detained daily. A report by the New York Times estimated that the US is on track to deport around 400,000 people in 2025.

Part of this effort has included large-scale raids targeting immigrants at restaurants, farms, construction sites, and even courthouses, where individuals attend civil appointments to regularize their status. At the same time, the administration has moved to restrict humanitarian protections such as Temporary Protected Status and humanitarian parole, which have allowed hundreds of thousands of people from unstable regions to live and work legally in the US.

Students have also been affected. The State Department said that 6,000 student visas have already been revoked this year, claiming those individuals had either broken the law or expressed support for terrorism. However, reports indicate that some of those affected were penalized for participating in pro-Palestinian protests or writing opinion articles—activities typically considered protected free speech. Others reportedly lost their visas without engaging in any political activity at all.

The sweeping review signals a broader shift in US immigration policy under Trump, with legal visa holders facing unprecedented levels of scrutiny alongside undocumented migrants.