The United States government is preparing to closely check the records of over 55 million visa holders. Anyone found to have broken the rules for entering or staying in the country will have their visa taken away right away. This is a clear warning from authorities about a new, tough stance on immigration.
Officials say visas could be canceled for several reasons. These include staying longer than allowed, committing crimes, or putting public safety at risk. The government is also looking for anyone involved in terrorism or supporting terrorist groups. These measures aim to tighten control over who remains in the country.
This tough approach is central to President Donald Trump’s plans for his second term. His administration has already carried out large-scale deportations and banned travel from several nations. More than 6,000 student visas have also been canceled under his leadership.
New rules also mean visa applicants, including students and tourists, will have their social media checked. Officials will search for any signs of dislike towards the American people, culture, government, or its institutions. State Department workers are also told to watch for people who might support foreign terrorists. They are looking for those who make threats or act violently against Jewish communities.
Matthew Tragesser, a spokesperson for USCIS, which handles US citizenship and immigration, spoke clearly on the matter. He said America’s benefits should not go to people who hate the country or spread anti-American ideas. He added that the agency’s job is to create policies that get rid of anti-American thoughts.
This announcement comes after Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the US would immediately stop giving work visas to foreign truck drivers. He explained that a fast rise in foreign drivers had created road safety dangers. It was also hurting the earnings of American truck drivers, he said.
In other recent moves, the US also introduced a new requirement for citizens from Malawi and Zambia. They must now put down a $15,000 deposit for tourist or business visas. That’s about 560,000 Thai Baht.
Since President Trump took office in January, his administration has rolled out many strict immigration policies.
- It has stopped people from 12 countries from entering the United States.
- Parts of the travel rules were restricted for people from 7 other nations.
- Temporary legal status was taken away from over 500,000 immigrants.
- The president also promised to end birthright citizenship in the United States.
Recently, several foreign students at US universities were arrested. This happened after they took part in protests against Israel’s attacks on the Gaza Strip. Israel is a key ally of the United States.
Source: BBC