As part of its continued attempts to crack down on alleged abuses of the legal immigration system, the Trump administration intends to screen all foreign nationals who presently possess visas for travel to the US.
Why the US could cancel visas
The State Department said in an emailed statement that ongoing vetting will enable the agency to cancel visas if it discovers evidence of possible ineligibility.
These include indications of overstays, criminal activity, threats to public safety, involvement in terrorist activities, or support for terrorist groups.
"As part of our vetting process, we examine all available data, including immigration or law enforcement records and any additional material that becomes available after a visa has been issued," the department stated, as reported by the Washington Post.
What are the implications of visa reviews?
Willy Kimani, a Kenyan national working in the US, told TUKO.co.ke that the new directive could affect local businessmen and politicians.
He warned netizens against sharing anti-Trump comments online and minimising social media activity, particularly concerning the US and Israel.
"This means that even people with valid visas in Kenya who travel back and forth at will, including politicians and businessmen, could wake up to their visas being cancelled because of airing their anti-Trump or Israel thoughts and sentiments online. It is time Kenyans with valid US visas cleanse their social media of anti-Trump or Israel sentiments," he opined.
How many student visas did the US revoke?
According to the BBC, the US government turned its attention to international students, announcing earlier this week that it had cancelled over 6,000 student visas due to overstays and other legal infractions, including about 200 to 300 for what it called "terrorism."
Additionally, the government attempted to deport and cancel visas for participants in anti-Gaza war protests on campuses.
It alleged that in certain cases they had supported designated terrorist organisations like Hamas and Hezbollah or engaged in antisemitic behaviour.
Why did the US suspend work visas?
Earlier, TUKO.co.ke reported that all foreign commercial truck drivers' work visas were suspended by Trump's administration.
On Thursday, August 21, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the decision would take effect immediately.
Rubio clarified in a message posted on his official X handle that the action was taken to improve public safety and safeguard American truckers' livelihoods.
According to the State Department spokesperson, the directive applies to all nationalities and is not country-specific.
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