The U.S. State Department confirmed Thursday that it is continuously monitoring all 55 million foreigners with valid U.S. visas, including those who have already entered the country.
A department official explained that visas can be revoked at any time if new information suggests a person may be ineligible. Reasons include overstaying a visa, criminal activity, threats to public safety, or links to terrorism.
This “continuous vetting” applies to every visa category, from tourists to students. If concerns are flagged, a visa may be canceled. For those already in the U.S., that could mean deportation.
In a response to the Associated Press, officials acknowledged the process is time-consuming but emphasized that it is now broader than ever before. The policy, which has expanded under President Donald Trump, raises the possibility that even people with long-approved visas could suddenly lose their right to stay.
