The administration of President Donald Trump is increasing its efforts to scrutinise and possibly deport US visa holders who it considers to be in breach of immigration rules.
What the White House determines to be a violation, however, is likely to cause a lot of concern and probably legal action.
The US State Department says it will review the records of about 55 million foreign citizens holding US visas, AP reported. It will look closely for any signs of ineligibility, such as overstaying, criminal activity, threats to public safety, engaging in any form of terrorist activity, or providing support to a terrorist organisation.
Since taking office for his second term in January, Mr Trump has pushed to arrest and deport those holding student visas who have taken part in demonstrations supporting the rights of Palestinians amid the Gaza war. Many of those moves have come under legal scrutiny, ending in several losses for the Trump administration.
Last week, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended a decision to suspend visitor visas for Gazans – even those seeking medical treatment after being injured in Israel's war on the enclave – which was made after inquiries from members of Congress.
Mr Rubio told CBS on Sunday that the State Department was warned by politicians that some of the non-government organisations assisting Gazans with the visas had connections to Hamas.
The move from is a significant escalation from the stance at Mr Trump's 2024 campaign rallies. There have also been reports that the State Department is to use AI to potentially revoke visas, adding to concerns that such a vast undertaking could overlook nuance and context that many legal experts consider to be necessary.
