On Thursday, August 21st, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a sweeping audit of more than 55 million active U.S. visas. The review, described as a process of “continuous vetting,” is intended to identify potential violations that may have occurred after visas were issued. Officials say the checks will look for overstays, criminal activity, public safety threats, or possible connections to extremist groups.
According to the Department of Homeland Security’s records, there were 3.6 million people on temporary visas in the United States, as well as 12.8 million green card holders.
The policy comes amid an increase in visa cancellations under the Trump administration. According to government data, revocations have more than doubled since last year, while student visa terminations have nearly quadrupled. Critics warn the expanded vetting may raise questions about privacy and civil liberties, though officials maintain the program is a necessary safeguard.
The State Department emphasized that the review draws on a wide range of data, including immigration and law enforcement records, as well as information that becomes available over time, such as online activity, meaning travelers’ digital footprints might come between them and securing a visa in the U.S. Supporters argue the effort strengthens national security and ensures visa holders comply with U.S. laws and requirements.
Rubio also announced an immediate suspension of worker visas for commercial truck drivers, citing concerns about both highway safety and competition with American drivers, especially following the recent fatal accident in Florida involving illegal alien Harjinder Singh.
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