The US State Department revoked more than 250,000 visas, introducing stricter checks for both visa holders and applicants in the United States. These visa cancellations are reportedly linked to issues such as visa violations, criminal activity, fraud, misuse of the immigration system, and national security concerns.
Specifically, 2,300 visas were cancelled in cases connected to birth tourism. Furthermore, US authorities are preparing to take stricter action against B1 and B2 business and tourist visa holders who subsequently apply for asylum.
The State Department has also expanded its social media checks to cover additional visa categories. Social media profile review is now mandatory for I visas intended for foreign media workers, alongside TN and TD visas for eligible Canadian and Mexican professionals and their dependants.
Changes also took effect for applicants seeking employment-based green cards. Additionally, the new US fiscal year reset the annual visa limits.
Under new eligibility rules, some non-citizens might face alterations in their access to Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.
