Visa Overstays Prompt Crackdown After Boulder Attack

A violent attack at a pro-Israel rally in Boulder, Colorado, allegedly carried out by Mohamed Soliman, an Egyptian national who overstayed his visa, has heightened focus on visa overstays in the U.S. Soliman entered the U.S. legally on a tourist visa in 2022, later applied for asylum, and had a work permit that expired before a decision was reached. U.S. authorities, including the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, have announced increased efforts to identify and remove individuals who remain after their visas expire, citing security concerns. Government estimates show that in fiscal year 2023, between 400,000 and 565,000 temporary visa holders overstayed, with Egyptians accounting for about 2,400 cases. About 40% of undocumented U.S. residents are believed to have entered legally before overstaying, a group often overshadowed in debates about illegal border crossings. Both the Biden and Trump administrations have pledged to address the issue, promising swift action following recent events.