Washington, DC: The United States government has launched a comprehensive review of over 55 million active visas, a sweeping process that is expected to affect at least 5 million visas held by Indian nationals. This move, part of a broader crackdown on immigration, involves continuous vetting to identify any visa holders who have violated their terms, engaged in criminal activity, or pose a threat to public safety.
In a significant escalation of screening, prospective visitors will now also face social media checks for signs of hostility toward the citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles of the United States. A US Citizenship and Immigration Services spokesperson stated that America’s benefits should not be given to those who despise the country.
This broad review is accompanied by a more specific action: the immediate suspension of all worker visas for foreign commercial truck drivers. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the pause, citing safety concerns and the need to protect the livelihoods of American truckers. The action follows a recent fatal crash in Florida involving an Indian-origin driver, which officials have used to highlight the risks posed by unqualified foreign drivers. The American Trucking Association, despite facing a driver shortage, has backed the government’s measures. The dual policies signal a new era of heightened scrutiny for both current and prospective visa holders.