The U.S. Department of State has announced a sweeping review of 55 million active visa holders, signaling a significant escalation in the administration's immigration enforcement strategy. The Department warned that any visa found to be in violation of legal standards will be revoked immediately.
In a video statement released Friday, State Department spokesperson Ian Betts emphasized that a U.S. visa is "a privilege, not a right." He revealed that the government is now conducting continuous background checks and file reviews for all foreign nationals currently holding entry permits.
“There are currently 55 million people holding visas to the United States, and their files are under constant review,” Betts stated. “If any legal violation is committed, your visa will be canceled without delay.”
Rising Revocations The audit comes on the heels of a sharp increase in visa cancellations. According to the State Department, approximately 100,000 visas were revoked in 2025 alone—a staggering jump of 60,000 compared to 2024. The data highlights specific impacts on professional and academic sectors:
8,000 Student Visas were revoked.
2,500 H-1B Visas (specialized work permits) were withdrawn.
Trump Administration Policy This intensified scrutiny aligns with the hardline immigration policies enacted by President Donald Trump following his inauguration on January 20, 2025. Since taking office, the President has declared a national emergency regarding the southern border and pledged to initiate "mass deportations" of undocumented individuals.
The State Department's current audit represents the legal-channel counterpart to these border policies, ensuring that even those who entered the country legally remain in strict compliance with federal laws. Experts suggest that even minor legal infractions or changes in eligibility could now lead to immediate expulsion under this "continuous review" model.
Follow the latest news on Google News
