(NewsNation) — President Donald Trump has ordered a sweeping review of all 55 million U.S. visa holders, including students, workers and tourists, for deportable offenses.
The White House said the move is a national security measure, but critics have warned it’s the broadest crackdown of its kind in modern American history.
What does this mean for legal visa holders?
The State Department said it plans to review holders for violations of immigration rules, such as overstays, criminal activity and engagement in “terrorist activity.”
Officials have referred to the review as “continuous vetting,” implying visa holders were never fully cleared.
Early actions already underway
Approximately 6,000 student visas have already been revoked, some for minor infractions and others due to national security concerns, according to the State Department.
Visas for commercial truck drivers have been halted entirely, for which the administration cited road safety and job protections.
The freeze came after a deadly crash on Florida’s Turnpike involving a truck driver accused of making an illegal U-turn, leaving three people dead. Harjinder Singh, a native of India, faces vehicular homicide charges and deportation.
Who is affected by Trump’s visa review?
Anyone with a visa is subject to review, including millions of people outside the U.S. who hold valid multiple-entry tourist visas.
More than 12.8 million green card holders and nearly 11 million non-immigrant visas were issued in fiscal year 2024, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
Critics wary of ‘anti-American’ activity flag
Critics of the review have argued people could be flagged for “anti-American activity,” a term they say is too vague and could be used to include posts made on social media or participation in protests.
Immigration advocates warned the plan raises serious constitutional questions. They expect courts to ultimately decide whether the government can strip legal visitors of their status.
