Tourist visa holders also under U.S government scrutiny

Noman Sabit: 55 million people with valid U.S. visas, including tourists from many countries, are set to come under the U.S. government's scrutiny. President Trump's administration said on Thursday it is reviewing each visa for violations that could lead to deportation. The process is part of a growing crackdown on foreigners who are permitted to be in the United States. The U.S. will also stop issuing certain visas with immediate effect, while already steadily imposing more restrictions and requirements on visa applicants.

Since President Donald Trump began his second term in January 2025, his administration has introduced a range of policies aimed at cracking down on both legal and illegal immigration to the United States, including a full travel ban on citizens from 12 countries. The latest decision to review existing visas appears to follow a similar process, albeit more widespread.

The review will affect even those who have been approved to be in the U.S. through the usual visa application process in U.S. embassies worldwide, including those currently outside the United States with multiple-entry tourist visas. The State Department said that all visa holders, including tourists, are subject to "continuous vetting" to seek any signs of ineligibility for permission to enter or stay in the country, which some people believe may lead to noticeable impacts on U.S. tourism.

Over 55 Million Valid U.S. Visas Under Review

Since January, the government has moved to expand enforcement beyond undocumented migrants, conducting raids at various locations, including courthouses where migrants attend civil appointments needed to regularize their status. The Trump administration's move has seen mass deportations, full-on travel bans on countries, and the revocation of 6,000 student visas.

On Thursday, the U.S. State Department announced it will now conduct "continual vetting" of more than 55 million people who hold valid U.S. visas, including all tourist visas from any country, to identify any potential violations that could lead to deportation or visa revocation. The Department said the review process was to identify several risk factors that are indicators of ineligibility.