The Trump administration has started to review all 55million legal immigrants who hold US visas to see if they should be deported.
US visa holders including tourists from around the world are under ‘continuous vetting’ for violations that could led to deportations, said the State Department on Thursday.
‘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,’ stated the department said.
The State Department is prepared to revoke visas of any individuals who have violated their terms.
Officials are searching for visa holders who have exceeded their allowed stay, have committed criminal offenses, posed a threat to safety, and been involved in or support terrorist groups.
The review includes looking at visa holders’ law enforcement and immigration records in their mother countries, and even watching their social media accounts.
Earlier this year, applicants were required to set their social media accounts to public when going for a visa interview.
It is part of the Trump administration’s push to heighten requirements and restrictions on applicants. Officials are using new tools to compile data on applicants of all statuses, including screening their social media profiles.
‘As part of the Trump Administration’s commitment to protect US national security and public safety, since Inauguration Day the State Department has revoked more than twice as many visas, including nearly four times as many student visas, as during the same time period last year,’ the State Department said.
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