State Department expands continuous vetting for all visa holders

The State Department announced that it is conducting a sweeping, continuous review of all more than 55 million people who currently hold valid U.S. visas, the latest step in a broader immigration crackdown aimed at tightening national security and public safety. Under the policy, visa holders—across student, work, tourist and other categories—are subjected to ongoing vetting for any indicators that could render them ineligible to remain or enter the United States. If such indicators surface, visas can be revoked and, for those already in the country, deportation could follow.

Officials described the vetting as an expansion of prior post-issuance checks. The process will draw on a wide array of information, including law enforcement and immigration records, and any new information that comes to light after issuance. In addition, authorities will assess social media and other data sources to identify threats or violations that might undermine eligibility. The administration has stressed that this is a preventive, contiguous review intended to catch problems that were not evident at the time of visa issuance.

The announcement comes amid a broader set of enforcement measures that...