U.S. to Keep Over 55 Million Visas Under Ongoing "Continual Review"

The U.S. government, through the Department of State, has unveiled plans for an extensive review of more than 55 million valid visa holders. This initiative aims to identify any potential violations that could lead to the revocation of these visas and the possible deportation of individuals currently in the country. Described by immigration experts as unprecedented in scope and preventive nature, this measure is a part of the Trump administration's increasingly restrictive immigration policies.

This comprehensive review encompasses all visa categories, including tourism, business, education, temporary work, and exchange programs. According to the Department of State, the "continual review" will focus on identifying any signs of ineligibility that might have emerged post-visa issuance. Key factors under scrutiny will include prolonged stays beyond visa terms, criminal activity records, threats to public safety, and any involvement in terrorist acts or support for terrorist organizations.

Experts caution that the review might extend beyond legal conduct, potentially targeting the political expressions of applicants. David J. Bier, the director of immigration policy at the Cato Institute, told The Washington Post that the administration might conduct "proactive" checks of social media posts, potentially revoking visas based not on conduct but on expressed opinions. This approach raises concerns about possible arbitrariness and discrimination in case selection.

This policy formalizes an existing procedure, meaning that visa statuses—traditionally subject to reevaluation only in cases of criminal or immigration violations—will now undergo continuous scrutiny, even absent apparent infractions. Julia Gelatt, associate director of the immigration policy program at the Migration Policy Institute, informed the AP that the review would also cover individuals outside the country with multiple-entry tourist visas, prompting questions about resource efficiency for those who might not return to the U.S.

The Department of State clarified that the review would involve a thorough analysis of police, judicial, and immigration records. Additionally, social media accounts and electronic devices could be inspected according to new visa requirements adopted earlier this year, which permit officials to access applicants' phones and apps during the interview process.

Although the Department of State asserts that this measure aims to ensure security and legal compliance, civil organizations and immigration experts warn of the risks of discretion and arbitrariness, particularly when linking visa revocations to political opinions or online activities. Through this policy, the Trump administration reinforces its stance that no visa is permanent and that all holders are subject to ongoing oversight.

The review continues as long as the visa remains valid, with the possibility of immediate revocation and deportation if new information arises that affects the holder’s eligibility. The impact of this policy is already evident in concrete figures: since Trump's return to the White House, over 6,000 student visas have been revoked for overstaying or breaking U.S. laws. Of these, around 4,000 were due to common legal violations, while 200 to 300 were linked to terrorism-related issues, including support for designated terrorist organizations or state sponsors of terrorism.