Trump government will comb in 55 million visas

White House wants detailed analysis of visas granted to foreigners, including Brazilians. Government says the goal is to detect stays beyond the deadline, “threats to public safety” or “supporters of terrorism.”

Donald Trump’s government wants to do a comb in all 55 million foreigners who have seen valid for the United States, and threatens to revoke them to the slightest sign that they have committed some act that invalidates their authorization to enter or remain in the country.

In the sights of the authorities are stays beyond the legal deadline, criminal activities, threats to public safety and people involved “in any form of terrorist activity or support for a terrorist organization.”

The measure has the potential to affect Brazilians who are already within the US as tourists or with other types of visa, such as study or work, as well as people who have not traveled, but have already seen from US consulates in Brazil.

The analysis will be based on “all available information”, such as data provided by the police and migration authorities, as well as “any other information that comes to light after the visa issuing”, including social networks, the US Department of State-an organ equivalent to the Foreign Ministry said on Thursday (21/08).

If indications of irregularities are found, the visas will be revoked and their bearers – if they are in the US – deported.

The folder claims to aim mainly students, and at the beginning of the week announced that it has revoked 6,000 students visas since the beginning of Trump management in January this year – three times more than the same period of the previous year.

“We are gathering more information than ever,” a state department official told The Washington Post.

Tourists are also in the Trump administration

According to the Department of Internal Security, 12.8 million foreigners live in the US with a Green Card; Another 3.6 million remain in the country with temporary views.

Therefore, according to the AP news agency, the 55 million data cited by the State Department suggests that tourists and others who are currently outside the US may also have their permissions revoked.

In 2024, nearly 11 million temporary visas were issued, which do not include permanent residence cards or Green Cards. Of these, 77% were visas of business or tourism, and about 7% benefited students, visiting researchers and their families.

The Trump government has restricted visa granting and made the process more careful, including the need for face -to -face interviews.

The step announced on Thursday seems to be a significant expansion of a movement that began focused on irregular immigrants and students involved in acts that the White House classifies as pro-Palestins or Anti-Israel-the head of American diplomacy, Marco Rubio, argues that the constitutional right to freedom of expression is not valid for foreign citizens.

Scanning on social networks

Authorities say these revisions will include scanning in all social networking accounts of visa carriers, police and immigration records in their home countries. Any violations of American law committed while they were in the United States will also be considered.

Reviews will include new data collection tools on past, present and future visa applicants. Therefore, anyone who wants to request a visa will have to disable privacy settings on cell phones and other electronic devices or applications when attending the visa interview.

The vast majority of foreigners need a visa to travel to the US, especially those who want to study or work for prolonged periods. There are exceptions for short tourism or business visits for citizens from 40 countries – mostly European and Asian – that are part of the visa exemption program and can stay in the country for up to three months without having to request a visa.

But the rest of the world – including highly populated countries like China, India, Indonesia, Russia, Brazil and most of Africa – are not part of the program and need to ask for a visa.

Originally published by DW on 08/22/2025