Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced an expansive audit of more than 55 million valid U.S. visas to identify potential violations, invoking a process he termed “continuous vetting.” This initiative applies to all visa holders—from tourists and students to temporary workers—and examines allegedly disqualifying behaviors such as overstays, criminal activity, public safety threats, terrorist ties, or support for designated extremist groups.
As part of the intensified review, Rubio also declared an immediate suspension of worker visas for commercial truck drivers, citing concerns that foreign drivers are jeopardizing American lives and domestic trucking jobs.
The State Department defended the policy as essential for national security and public safety, noting that since President Trump’s return to office, visa revocations have more than doubled, with student visa cancellations nearly quadrupling compared to the previous year.
The vetting will encompass a wide range of data sources, including law enforcement and immigration records, social media, and any other information that emerges after visa issuance.
Rubio’s announcement underscores a notable hardening in U.S. visa policy, which critics warn may encroach on civil liberties in service of broad security goals.
