Washington: In a sweeping move aimed at tightening immigration policies, U.S. President Donald Trump has declared the launch of the most extensive visa scrutiny process in the history of the United States. According to a statement from the U.S. Department of State, approximately 55 million visa holders will now be subject to intensified background checks.
The government’s stated goal is to identify visa holders who may no longer be eligible to remain in the U.S. due to violations of immigration laws or other disqualifying reasons.
The Trump administration has implemented multiple measures to toughen visa regulations, including the cancellation of visas for foreign students enrolled in certain educational institutions. Additionally, applicants’ social media accounts will undergo stringent monitoring, and the interview process for visa approvals may be suspended in some cases.
This announcement comes amid the suspension of humanitarian medical visas previously granted to residents of Gaza and Palestine, effectively barring Palestinian students, patients, and general applicants from entering the United States.
Furthermore, over 6,000 student visas have been revoked in 2025 alone, targeting those who overstayed their authorized period, violated visa conditions, or faced allegations related to terrorism support.
So far this year, nearly 40,000 visas have been canceled under this intensified policy, a sharp increase compared to the approximately 16,000 visa cancellations during the same period under former President Joe Biden’s administration.
