Millions of foreign nationals holding valid US visas are facing growing uncertainty following the Trump administration’s announcement of a new, far-reaching immigration review.
The policy, introduced on Thursday, 21 August, marks a significant shift in the government’s approach, expanding the scope of enforcement beyond traditional targets and raising fears of mass visa revocations and deportations.
According to the Department of State, a “continuous vetting” system is now in effect for all categories of visa holders, including tourists, international students, skilled workers, and individuals with multiple-entry permits.
This new process allows US authorities to re-evaluate a person’s visa status at any time after it has been issued. The criteria for reassessment are broad and include visa overstays, criminal records, perceived threats to public safety, and suspected connections to terrorism.
If any such concerns are raised, a visa may be cancelled immediately, which could lead to deportation proceedings for those already inside the United States.
Although security checks have long been part of the visa process, the scale and intensity of this new initiative represent a significant escalation.
Unlike past efforts that primarily targeted undocumented individuals, the current policy also applies to those who entered the country through official, legal channels.
This has prompted concern among immigrant communities and human rights organisations, who warn that the number of deportations could rise dramatically—potentially surpassing 400,000 by 2025, a figure not seen in over a decade.
