Credit: Shealah Craighead, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The Trump administration has expanded its crackdown on illegal immigration by commencing a review of 55 million US visa holders to identify violations for possible revocation and deportations.
According to the Associated Press, the State Department announced that US visa holders are now subject to vetting to ensure they remain eligible to enter into America or remain in the country.
The vetting is being done with an eye for those who have overstayed, or have been linked to crimes, terrorism, or they posed threats to public safety.
In the process, if it is realised that new information makes someone ineligible, the visa will be revoked.
Visa holders already in the U.S. could face deportation. The department said checks would be carried out on law enforcement and immigration records.
It also said the social media pages will be scoured for information to enable the authorities to act.
The government of Donald Trump has revoked more than twice as many visas compared in the same period last year.
The figures nearly quadrupled the number of student visas cancelled.
When the exercise commenced, it was targeted at students involved in pro-Palestinian or anti-Israel activity.
However, now, it has extended to cover all visa categories.
Nationals of most countries of the world require visas to study, reside or work in the U.S..
The only exceptions are the citizens of 40 countries under the Visa Waiver Program, who can enter for short stays without applying.
To date, nationals of India, China, Russia, Indonesia, and most African countries remain subject to the visa system and the announced review process.
