Trump Administration to Review 55 Million U.S. Visa Holders, Halts Worker Visas for Truck Drivers
Jamaica Live International News– | Aug 21, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Trump administration has announced a sweeping review of more than 55 million people holding valid U.S. visas, warning that even those already granted entry could face revocation and possible deportation if found in violation of visa rules.
In a statement on Thursday, the U.S. State Department confirmed that all visa holders are subject to “continuous vetting” — a process that involves monitoring travel histories, criminal records, immigration violations, and even potential links to terrorism.
Should such information surface, visas will be immediately revoked. If the individual is already inside the United States, they will become subject to deportation.
Since taking office, President Donald Trump has prioritized the deportation of undocumented migrants as well as closer scrutiny of student and visitor exchange visas. The new announcement expands that scrutiny dramatically, suggesting that even those who followed the legal process and obtained valid visas are not guaranteed security.
Julia Gelatt, associate director of the U.S. immigration policy program at the Migration Policy Institute, questioned the logic of devoting resources to people who may never re-enter the country. She noted that the figure of 55 million includes millions of tourists with multiple-entry visas who might currently be outside the United States.
The State Department explained that red flags include:
- Overstaying visas
- Criminal activity
- Threats to public safety
- Links to terrorism or support for terrorist groups
“We review all available information as part of our vetting,” the department said.
Ban on Worker Visas for Commercial Truck Drivers
In a related move, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Thursday that the U.S. will immediately stop issuing worker visas for commercial truck drivers. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Rubio argued that foreign drivers are “endangering American lives and undercutting the livelihoods of American truckers.”
The U.S. Department of Transportation has in recent months reinforced the requirement that truck drivers must speak and read English fluently, citing fatal accidents linked to drivers’ inability to understand road signs.
The State Department later clarified that it is “pausing” visa processing for truckers in order to review its screening and vetting protocols.
“Ensuring that every driver on our roads meets the highest standards is important to protecting the livelihoods of American truckers and maintaining a secure, resilient supply chain,” the department said.
Economic and Immigration Fallout
Immigration analysts say these measures could have far-reaching economic effects. Edward Alden, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, warned that the trucking sector — already struggling with a labor shortage — could be hit hard.
“This action should be seen as part of a concerted effort by the administration to discourage American companies and other institutions like universities and hospitals from hiring and retaining foreign workers,” Alden explained.
“The goal here is not to target specific classes of workers, but to send the message to American employers that they are at risk if they employ foreign workers. The economic consequences will be far larger than just visas being stripped from foreign workers in a few job categories.”
Implications for Jamaica and the Caribbean
The announcements raise serious concerns for Jamaicans and other Caribbean nationals who frequently travel to the U.S. on work, study, or visitor visas.
- Students on exchange programs could face disruptions if stricter vetting flags them for minor violations.
- Tourists and frequent travelers may be caught in surprise reviews, leading to revoked visas.
- Jamaican truckers and drivers who sought opportunities in the U.S. will now face closed doors under the new ban.
As the U.S. tightens immigration across multiple categories, experts say Caribbean nationals should be extra cautious about complying with visa conditions to avoid cancellation or deportation.
🔴 Jamaica Live will continue to monitor the unfolding developments and their impact on Jamaicans at home and abroad.