55 million US visas under review

The US government has begun reviewing the records of more than 55 million foreign nationals holding valid US visas to determine whether immigration regulations have been violated. According to the Associated Press, this move is considered one of the most comprehensive moves in Trump's toughening of immigration policies.

The State Department announced that all valid visa holders are subject to a "continuous vetting" process. This process involves reviewing personal information, including social media accounts. If evidence is found to indicate a visa holder is ineligible, their visa will be revoked, and if they are in the US , they may be deported.

The Ministry spokesperson made the following statement:

The Department of State revokes visas when there is any question of suitability. This includes overstay, criminal activity, posing a threat to public safety, participation in terrorist activity, or supporting terrorist organizations.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services ( USCIS ) announced it would expand its oversight of social media accounts. "The rights and opportunities America offers should not be denied to those who disparage our country or espouse anti-American ideologies," USCIS spokesman Matthew Tragesser said.

Within the scope of the new measures:

• Applications will be examined for “anti-American” views. • Social media accounts will be opened and reviewed by diplomatic officials.

• Particularly antisemitic ideologies and activities contrary to the foreign policy interests of the United States will be taken into consideration.

Donald Trump's administration has accused students and universities, particularly those involved in anti-Israel protests, of anti-Semitism and support for terrorism. In April, hundreds of international students had their visas revoked, only to be reinstated a few weeks later. Student visa interviews were temporarily suspended in May, and social media screenings were mandated in June.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that six student visas have been revoked since January alone. Approximately 4,000 of these visas were revoked for violations of the law (assault, drunk driving, theft) and supporting terrorism.