On August 21, 2025, the U.S. Department of State (USDOS) confirmed that it is implementing a sweeping “continuous vetting” process affecting an estimated 55 million current U.S. visa holders. The initiative allows authorities to regularly review visa holders’ records for potential grounds of revocation and possible deportation.
What Continuous Vetting Means
According to the State Department, visa holders will be subject to ongoing checks for indicators of ineligibility, such as:
- Overstaying the authorized visa period.
- Criminal conduct or threats to public safety.
- Ties to or support for terrorist organizations.
The Department stated that it will review all available information — including law enforcement data, immigration records, and other sources — even after a visa has been issued.
Enforcement Actions Already Underway
The announcement came alongside several high-profile immigration enforcement actions:
- Pause on Truck Driver Visas: Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced an immediate halt to issuing new visas for commercial truck drivers, citing concerns over public safety and competition with U.S. workers.
- Mass Visa Revocations: Around 6,000 student visas were revoked in the same week for alleged overstays or other violations.
- Worksite Raids: Federal authorities have carried out enforcement actions targeting restaurants, construction sites, and farms.
- Deportation Projections: Reports suggest the government may deport up to 400,000 individuals in 2025.
- Humanitarian Rollbacks: Humanitarian parole and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) programs, which have provided protection to hundreds of thousands, are being narrowed.
Impact on Employers and the Economy
The expansion of continuous vetting and visa restrictions will not only affect individuals but also employers across industries.
Supply Chain Disruptions
The trucking industry already struggles with a driver shortage — projected to exceed 115,000 by the end of 2025. The pause on new truck driver visas is expected to worsen delays, potentially raising costs and disrupting supply chains nationwide.
Rising Labor Costs
Employers who rely on foreign drivers or temporary workers may face pressure to increase wages and benefits to attract U.S. workers, raising operational expenses.
Recruitment Challenges
With fewer options to use visa programs such as H-2B for seasonal labor, companies may need to spend more on recruitment and training to fill critical roles.
Heightened Scrutiny
Increased enforcement will likely bring more audits, investigations, and compliance checks for employers who hire foreign nationals, requiring stronger internal compliance systems.
Why This Matters for Visa Holders and Employers
For individuals:
- Staying compliant with status requirements and maintaining updated records will be more important than ever.
- Even minor violations could trigger visa revocation or an NTA (Notice to Appear) in removal proceedings.
For employers:
- Ongoing compliance with immigration and labor regulations is critical.
- Workforce planning must take into account potential shortages and the risk of sudden visa revocations for employees.
Final Thoughts
The continuous vetting system represents a significant shift in U.S. immigration enforcement — turning every visa holder into a subject of ongoing monitoring. Coupled with targeted enforcement actions, this signals a stricter environment for both individuals and employers.
At NPZ Law Group, we help clients understand how these changes may affect them and prepare strategies to remain compliant and protected. Whether you are a visa holder worried about your status or an employer concerned about workforce stability, our attorneys are here to guide you.
Contact Information
If you or your family members have any questions about how immigration and nationality laws in the United States may affect you, or if you want to access additional information about immigration and nationality laws in the United States or Canada, please do not hesitate to contact the immigration and nationality lawyers at NPZ Law Group. You can reach us by emailing info@visaserve.com or by calling us at 201-670-0006 extension 104. We also invite you to visit our website at www.visaserve.com for more information.