Saira Imran President Trump’s administration launches the strictest US visa Scrutiny in US history, raising fears among students, migrants, and humanitarian applicants.
President Donald Trump’s administration has announced the largest visa scrutiny in US history. Around 55 million visa holders in the United States will undergo tough checks as part of the government’s revised immigration and security policy.
The State Department stated that the move aims to identify individuals who no longer qualify to remain in the US due to law violations, overstays, or other reasons that pose a threat to national security. Officials confirmed the checks will be extensive, covering students, workers, and even medical visa holders.
This announcement has sparked debate at both domestic and international levels, especially among students and applicants from conflict-hit regions.
Thousands of Visas Already Cancelled in 2025
The Trump administration has already revoked more than 40,000 visas this year, far exceeding the cancellations under former President Joe Biden, who revoked around 16,000 visas during the same period of his tenure.
In 2025 alone, over 6,000 student visas have been cancelled. Officials argue these students either overstayed, broke visa conditions, or faced accusations of supporting extremist activities.
This sharp increase in cancellations highlights the government’s tougher stance on immigration and foreign residency rights.
Impact of US Visa Scrutiny on Students and Humanitarian Applicants
One of the most significant consequences of the new scrutiny is its impact on foreign students and humanitarian visa holders.
Authorities froze medical visas granted to Palestinians on humanitarian grounds, including those seeking urgent treatment and education. As a result, Palestinian students, patients, and ordinary applicants no longer qualify to enter the US.
Education experts and human rights activists warn that these restrictions will disproportionately affect vulnerable groups and damage America’s global reputation as a destination for higher education and humanitarian assistance.
Social Media Monitoring Under New Visa Rules
The Trump administration has also expanded visa screening beyond traditional background checks. Officials now closely monitor applicants’ social media accounts, reviewing posts, interactions, and online activity.
Regular visa interviews have also been suspended, replaced by strict digital scrutiny. Critics argue this approach invades privacy and risks unfair judgments based on online expression.
Supporters, however, believe the measure strengthens security and prevents individuals who pose threats from entering the country.
US to Cancel Visas Linked to Violence and Hate
In a related development, the US State Department announced it would cancel visas of foreigners promoting hate and violence.
Deputy Secretary of State Chris Landau said the government is actively reviewing the online activities of foreign nationals. He expressed disappointment that some social media users praised or justified the murder of conservative analyst Charlie Kirk.
Landau instructed officials to take swift action against individuals who engage in such behavior. He also urged Americans to report foreigners’ online comments that support violence so the State Department can act quickly to protect US citizens.
Rising Concerns on US Visa Scrutiny at Home and Abroad
Immigration rights groups have raised concerns about the fairness of the scrutiny process. They argue that the new rules could target people based on political beliefs, religious identity, or nationality.
International observers also warn that the harsh measures could harm US relations with allies, discourage students from applying to American universities, and fuel anti-US sentiment abroad.
Despite criticism, President Trump has defended the policy, saying the US must act firmly to protect its citizens. He insisted that the visa scrutiny process is essential to national security and will continue without compromise.
What Lies Ahead
The scrutiny of 55 million visas is expected to take months, possibly years, to complete. Analysts believe the policy will continue to affect thousands of students, professionals, and families.
Whether this approach truly strengthens US security or sparks deeper global resentment remains a matter of debate. What is clear is that the US visa scrutiny policy has become one of the most controversial immigration issues of 2025.
