America reviewing 55 million visa holders: The new risks Indian students can’t afford to ignore
The Trump administration has launched a comprehensive review of all 55 million foreign nationals holding valid US visas to identify any potential violations that could lead to deportation. The US State Department confirmed that this initiative involves “continuous vetting” of visa holders, including tourists, students, and temporary workers, with a focus on identifying overstays, criminal activity, or public safety risks.As part of this ongoing effort, over 6,000 student visas have been revoked. According to government data cited by Associated Press and Times of India, approximately 4,000 of these revocations were based on alleged criminal activity, while 200 to 300 were tied to accusations of support for terrorism. These actions are being taken based on reviews of social media activity, law enforcement records, and other digital footprints.Visa scrutiny is no longer limited to illegal residentsHistorically, visa revocation was a consequence of clear violations such as overstaying or unauthorized employment. Now, administrative actions are increasingly based on preemptive screening, including presence in US law enforcement databases, even in the absence of convictions. The State Department stated, “We review all available information as part of our vetting, including law enforcement or immigration records or any other information that comes to light after visa issuance indicating a potential ineligibility,” as reported by Associated Press.Indian students face heightened monitoring under new vetting toolsIndian students, one of the largest international student groups in the US, are among those under close review. AI-powered systems under the “Catch and Revoke” initiative are used to scan students’ social media profiles for potential red flags. According to Times of India, even historical posts or affiliations perceived as politically sensitive may impact visa status.Applicants are now expected to maintain public social media profiles, and new visa interview procedures require disabling privacy settings on mobile devices and apps. These protocols apply to both current visa holders and new applicants.Criminal databases include dismissed or minor chargesThe vetting process draws from databases such as the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC), which includes dismissed charges, traffic violations, and minor infractions. As noted by Times of India, this data is now sufficient to trigger visa revocation. Students from countries including India, China, and Iran are being flagged under expanded criteria that emphasize potential risk over confirmed legal wrongdoing.Universities adjust policies amid compliance concernsUS universities, operating within a tightening compliance environment, have made subtle adjustments. According to Times of India, some institutions have revised course content, withdrawn invitations to controversial speakers, and advised student organizations to reduce activism. These measures aim to avoid attention under evolving federal policies.What Indian students should prepare forWith increased scrutiny in place, Indian students planning to study or currently enrolled in US institutions should take the following precautions:• Maintain accurate immigration documentation and avoid overstaying visa limits.• Refrain from unauthorized employment and comply with student visa regulations.• Exercise caution on public social media platforms; avoid content that may be interpreted as politically sensitive or anti-US policy.• Cooperate with enhanced screening protocols, including during interviews and digital checks.• Stay informed about university policies, campus guidelines, and national security regulations impacting international students.According to Julia Gelatt of the Migration Policy Institute, the 55 million figure includes visa holders both inside and outside the US. Many may never re-enter, but students are at the forefront of the ongoing screening due to their extended stay and digital footprints.The US State Department said in a written response that since President Donald Trump took office, visa revocations—especially student visas—have more than doubled compared to the same period in the previous year. The majority of revocations were tied to law violations, including assault and driving under the influence, with hundreds connected to terrorism-related concerns, as reported by Associated Press.TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here.
