US Prepares to Revoke Visas of Up to 200,000 Foreigners: Who Is Included?
WASHINGTON: The Trump administration has begun preparations to revoke the business and tourist visas of foreign nationals in the United States who applied for asylum after entering the country or are currently seeking asylum.
If implemented, the move could become the largest mass visa cancellation in US history. According to US officials and State Department documents, the administration is considering revoking B1 and B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026 to individuals who entered the United States on short-term business or tourist visas and later filed asylum applications.
Up to 200,000 foreigners could potentially be affected. The State Department is working with the Department of Homeland Security to identify individuals who used temporary visitor visas before seeking to remain in the US through the asylum system.
State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the review would be carried out in phases, meaning the final number of affected individuals could change. Officials also clarified that visa revocation does not automatically result in immediate deportation.
People with pending asylum claims could still have their immigration cases processed, but they would lose their B1 or B2 visitor visa status.
The Trump administration argues that the asylum system should not be used to circumvent US immigration laws. Current B1 and B2 visa applicants are required to demonstrate that they intend to return to their home countries and are not seeking permanent residence in the United States.
Over the past 18 months, the administration has already revoked nearly 175,000 visas from individuals charged with or convicted of crimes. Some visas have also reportedly been cancelled in cases involving individuals who publicly criticized US policies.
The latest move is part of the administration’s broader efforts to tighten immigration enforcement and restrict the use of temporary visas for long-term stays.
