Key points
- Visa holders must fully comply with the conditions
- US govt will continue to enforce stricter controls
- The revocation process starts with a notification
ISLAMABAD: The US is enhancing visa monitoring, with an emphasis on security and immigration compliance. Visa holders must fully comply with the conditions to prevent revocations and deportations.
The US government assured that it will continue to enforce stricter controls over visa holders, warning that those who break immigration laws and regulations could have their permits revoked and face deportation, according to the State Department.
In a statement on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the State Department emphasised that the review of visa applicants extends beyond the issuance of the visa.
U.S. visa screening does not stop after a visa is issued. We continuously check visa holders to ensure they follow all U.S. laws and immigration rules – and we will revoke their visas and deport them if they don’t. pic.twitter.com/aZsnUTnXGP
— Department of State (@StateDept) March 17, 2025
“We continuously verify visa holders to ensure they comply with all US immigration laws and regulations. If they do not, we will revoke their visa and deport them,” the statement noted.
Revoking visas
Experts in immigration law identify several reasons why a consular officer may revoke a visa, even after it has been issued, according to CiberCuba news.
Common reasons include the applicant’s inadmissibility due to security concerns, criminal history, medical or financial issues, failure to meet the criteria of the visa category or suspicion of immigration violations.
The revocation process typically starts with a notification for the visa holder to appear at the consulate, although in many cases, the decision may have already been made.
The visa is cancelled with a stamp or notation in the passport, and the individual’s information is updated in the US immigration system. If the person is en route to the US at the time of revocation, they could be detained at the port of entry and sent back to their home country, according to CiberCuba news.
Tight immigration policies
In recent years, the number of visa revocations has risen, particularly for individuals linked to criminal activity or suspected of misusing their visas.
Additionally, reports from third parties—such as former partners, business associates, or competitors—have prompted reviews and potential visa cancellations.
Given the tightening of immigration policies, experts recommend that visa holders strictly adhere to the conditions of their permits to avoid penalties that could impact their legal status in the US.
In recent months, the US government has reinforced its immigration policies with new restrictions and stricter monitoring of visa holders. This shift comes amid heightened scrutiny of travellers and migrants, focusing on national security and law enforcement.
43 countries’ list
The Trump administration is considering targeting the citizens of as many as 43 countries as part of a new ban on travel to the United States that would be broader than the restrictions imposed during President Trump’s first term, according to officials familiar with the matter, according to New York Times
These countries, including Cuba and Venezuela, are categorised into various risk levels based on security and migration factors. If this measure is enacted, citizens from these nations could encounter greater challenges in securing a visa or may even face restrictions on entering the United States.
Recent statements from Secretary of State Marco Rubio have emphasised that “coming to the United States with a visa is a privilege, not a right.”
Rubio has pushed for stricter standards for both issuing and revoking visas, stating that the US government is ready to deny or cancel entry permits for individuals who pose a threat or breach immigration rules.
Engaging un-authorised activities
Moreover, there has been a rise in visa revocations for individuals holding tourist or business visas who have been caught engaging in unauthorised activities, such as working without approval.
Immigration authorities have taken a firmer stance in these cases, revoking visas more often and increasing scrutiny of frequent travellers.
This marks a shift in US immigration policy, with the government tightening controls and adopting a more restrictive approach to visa issuance and maintenance, CiberCuba news.
The revocation of visas has become a common enforcement tool, urging visa holders to be more careful in how they use their permits to avoid penalties or losing their immigration status.
