Fact check: How many people hold visas in the us

1. Summary of the results

The question about how many people hold visas in the US reveals a complex distinction between visa holders and people physically present in the US on visas. The Trump administration reviewed 55 million people who have valid U.S. visas, but this figure includes all those with visas for work or study, many of whom are not currently in the U.S. ^{[1] [2]}.

The most concrete data comes from Department of Homeland Security statistics, which show that there were only 3.6 million people in the U.S. on non-immigrant visas in the 2024 fiscal year ^[2]. This represents the actual number of people physically present in the country on temporary visas, which is significantly lower than the total number of valid visa holders.

For broader context, 51.9 million immigrants were living in the U.S. as of June 2025, accounting for 15.4% of the nation's population ^[3]. Additionally, the unauthorized immigrant population reached approximately 14 million in 2023 ^[4].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks crucial distinctions that create confusion in immigration discussions:

• Valid visa holders vs. physical presence: The 55 million figure represents all people with valid visas globally, not those currently in the U.S. ^[2]
• Different visa categories: The sources reference various types including non-immigrant visas, immigrant visas, and diversity visa programs, but don't provide comprehensive breakdowns ^[5]
• Methodological changes: Visa data calculation methods have evolved over time, potentially affecting historical comparisons ^[6]

Political stakeholders benefit differently from emphasizing various numbers:

• Immigration restrictionists benefit from highlighting the 55 million total visa holders figure to suggest overwhelming numbers
• Immigration advocates benefit from emphasizing the smaller 3.6 million figure of actual temporary residents
• Government agencies benefit from demonstrating both oversight capabilities (reviewing 55 million) and manageable current populations (3.6 million present)

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question itself is neutral, but the lack of specificity creates opportunities for misleading interpretations. The question doesn't distinguish between:

• People who hold valid visas (55 million globally)
• People currently in the U.S. on visas (3.6 million)
• Immigrant vs. non-immigrant visa holders
• Authorized vs. unauthorized residents

This ambiguity allows different political actors to cite dramatically different numbers (ranging from 3.6 million to 55 million) when discussing U.S. immigration, depending on their agenda. The Trump administration's review of 55 million visa holders has been used in political contexts that may conflate visa holders with people actually present in the country ^[1].

The absence of clear, standardized definitions in public discourse about visa statistics enables selective use of data to support predetermined political positions rather than inform accurate policy discussions.