More than 55 million valid U.S. visa holders are subject to continuous vetting for potential ineligibility that could prompt visa revocation and deportation. Visa holders include tourists and others whose status can be reassessed after issuance. Indicators of ineligibility include overstaying authorized timeframes, criminal activity, threats to public safety, terrorist activity, or support for terrorist organizations. The review can use law enforcement, immigration records, or any information that comes to light post-issuance. Since President Trump took office, enforcement emphasis has included deporting unauthorized migrants and holders of student and visitor exchange visas, and vetting procedures have expanded and become more stringent.
In a written answer to a question from The Associated Press, the State Department said all U.S. visa holders, which can include tourists from many countries, are subject to "continuous vetting," with an eye toward any indication that they could be ineligible for permission to enter or stay in the United States. Should such information be found, the visa will be revoked, and if the visa holder is in the United States, he or she would be subject to deportation.
The department said it was looking for indicators of ineligibility, including people staying past the authorized timeframe outlined in a visa, criminal activity, threats to public safety, engaging in any form of terrorist activity or providing support to a terrorist organization. "We review all available information as part of our vetting, including law enforcement or immigration records or any other information that comes to light after visa issuance indicating a potential ineligibility," the department said.
Since President Donald Trump took office, his administration has focused on deporting migrants illegally in the United States as well as holders of student and visitor exchange visas. The State Department's new language suggests that the continual vetting process, which officials acknowledge is time-consuming, is far more widespread and could mean even those approved to be in the U.S. could abruptly see those permissions revoked.
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