Trump Administration Expands Visa Crackdown, Reviews 55 Million Holders and Suspends Truck Driver Work Visas

The Trump administration said Thursday it is reviewing more than 55 million people who hold valid U.S. visas for potential violations that could lead to deportation, marking an expanded crackdown on foreigners permitted to be in the United States.

In a written response to The Associated Press, the State Department confirmed that all visa holders — including tourists from many countries — are subject to “continuous vetting” for any indications they may be ineligible to remain. If violations are found, visas will be revoked, and those already in the country could face deportation.

Since President Donald Trump took office, his administration has focused on deporting migrants in the country illegally, as well as holders of student and visitor exchange visas. Officials now say the ongoing vetting process, though time-consuming, extends far more widely and could abruptly affect even those previously approved.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, there were 12.8 million green-card holders and 3.6 million people in the U.S. on temporary visas last year. The 55 million figure indicates that many under review may be outside the U.S. with multiple-entry tourist visas. Julia Gelatt, associate director of the U.S. immigration policy program at the Migration Policy Institute, questioned the use of resources on people who may not return.

The State Department said reviews look for ineligibility indicators such as overstays, criminal activity, public safety threats, terrorist involvement, or support for terrorist organizations. “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.

Separately, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Thursday that the U.S. would stop issuing worker visas for commercial truck drivers, effective immediately. On X, Rubio wrote, “The increasing number of foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailer trucks on U.S. roads is endangering American lives and undercutting the livelihoods of American truckers.”

The Trump administration has recently enforced requirements for truckers to demonstrate English proficiency, citing road safety concerns after incidents linked to drivers’ inability to read signs or communicate effectively. Later Thursday, the State Department said it was pausing the processing of truck driver work visas to review “screening and vetting protocols.”

“Ensuring that every driver on our roads meets the highest standards is important to protecting the livelihoods of American truckers and maintaining a secure, resilient supply chain,” the department said.

Edward Alden, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, noted that foreign workers have helped address truck driver shortages. “This action should be seen as part of a concerted effort by the administration to discourage American companies and other institutions like universities and hospitals from hiring and retaining foreign workers,” he wrote in an email, adding that the economic consequences would reach beyond trucking.

The administration has steadily increased visa restrictions, including mandatory in-person interviews. What began as a focus on students accused of pro-Palestinian or anti-Israel activity has expanded to all visa holders. Reviews now include checks of social media accounts, immigration and law enforcement records, and violations of U.S. law. Applicants must also allow privacy switches on phones and apps to be turned off during visa interviews under new requirements.

“As part of the Trump Administration’s commitment to protect U.S. 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 department said.

Most foreigners require visas to study or work in the U.S., with the exception of citizens from 40 mostly European and Asian countries in the Visa Waiver Program, which permits short-term visits without a visa. Citizens of large countries such as China, India, Indonesia, Russia, and most African nations must apply for visas.

The State Department said that since Trump’s return to office, it has revoked more than 6,000 student visas for overstays and law violations. Roughly 4,000 were tied to infractions such as assault and driving under the influence, while 200 to 300 were linked to terrorism-related issues, including support for designated groups or state sponsors of terrorism.