The U.S. State Department's continuous vetting applies to "all of the more than 55 million foreigners who currently hold valid U.S. visas," a department official said on Thursday, including those who have already been admitted to enter the country.
"The State Department revokes visas any time there are indications of a potential ineligibility, which includes things like any indicators of overstays, criminal activity, threats to public safety, engaging in any form of terrorist activity, or providing support to a terrorist organization," the official said.
The State Department says all U.S. visa holders are subject to “continuous vetting,” a process that can lead to revocation of their visas and possible deportation if new information emerges that makes them ineligible to remain in the country.
In a written response to a question from The Associated Press, the department said the monitoring applies to all visa categories, including tourists. If concerns are flagged, a visa may be canceled, and if the individual is already in the United States, he or she could face removal proceedings.
Since taking office, President Donald Trump has made deportations a central policy focus, targeting not only migrants living in the country illegally but also holders of student and visitor exchange visas.
Officials acknowledged the vetting process is time-consuming but said it is now far more expansive than before, raising the possibility that even those with previously approved visas could have their permission to stay revoked without warning.
