State Department expands “continuous vetting” to 55 million U.S. visa holders
In a written response to a question posed by The Associated Press, the State Department said that it is now reviewing every foreign national with a valid U.S. visa—more than 55 million people.
If officials find a violation, such as overstaying, criminal activity, or even certain types of social media activity, visas can be revoked, and people inside the U.S. could face deportation. The administration also immediately halted new work visas for commercial truck drivers, citing road safety and competition with U.S. workers.
State Department Confirms Major Expansion of Visa Reviews
The State Department confirmed Thursday that all visa holders are now under “continuous vetting.” This process involves ongoing checks of criminal records, immigration histories, and even online activity to determine whether someone remains eligible to live, work, or study in the United States.
“Should any information come to light indicating ineligibility, the visa will be revoked,” the department said in a statement. Those already inside the U.S. could then face deportation proceedings.
The review marks a significant expansion from earlier policies that primarily focused on student and exchange visitors. Officials now say the measures apply to every valid visa holder, including tourists, workers, and family members.
More News: State Department Announces Truck Driver Visa Ban
Separately, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the U.S. will no longer issue work visas for foreign commercial truck drivers. He cited safety concerns and competition with American workers, writing on X: “The increasing number of foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailer trucks on U.S. roads is endangering American lives and undercutting the livelihoods of American truckers.”
The Transportation Department had already introduced stricter English-language requirements for truckers, pointing to accidents where limited language skills may have been a factor.
What You Should Know If You’re on a Visa
Manifest Law’s experienced immigration attorneys advise anyone on a visa to keep in mind the following:
- Continuous monitoring applies to everyone. Whether you’re on a student, work, or tourist visa, the State Department says all visa holders are under review.
- Social media activity matters. U.S. consular officers now have the authority to review posts and can require unlocked accounts during visa interviews.
- Even minor legal issues may count. The government says DUI, assault, and other state-level violations have already led to thousands of visa revocations.
Nicole Gunara, Manifest Law’s Principal Attorney, also says, “Compliance is key. Moving forward, keeping copies of all your documents, records, and evidence is important. Remember, the onus is on you to maintain your status.”
Your Path Forward Amid Policy Shifts
The sweeping review underscores the Trump administration’s continued focus on tightening immigration enforcement, expanding scrutiny well beyond those crossing the border illegally. For millions of people already living, working, and studying in the United States on valid visas, the new policy signals that permission to remain can be reevaluated at any time.
Still, those on visas in the U.S. do have agency: staying informed about policy shifts, maintaining compliance with visa requirements, and seeking timely legal guidance can help protect your path forward. While the rules may be changing, preparation and proactive steps remain the strongest tools for navigating uncertain times.
If you’re looking for support or guidance, Manifest Law is here for you. Request a consultation with our experienced immigration attorneys today.
