US plans potentially largest mass visa revocation, targeting up to 200,000 asylum seekers
The Trump administration plans to revoke business and tourist visas held by foreigners who applied for or are currently seeking asylum in the United States, potentially affecting up to 200,000 people.
If carried out at that scale, the move would be the largest single mass visa revocation in US history, according to the Associated Press, which cited State Department documents and two US officials.
The measure would target B1 and B2 non-immigrant visas issued between 2016 and 2026. These visas are generally used for temporary business and tourist travel.
A State Department spokesperson confirmed that the department was working with the Department of Homeland Security “to identify and revoke the non-immigrant visas of foreigners who have come to the United States claiming to be short-term visitors, but then file for asylum to stay here permanently.”
The State Department did not specify how many visas would be affected. AP reported that revocations could be announced within the coming weeks.
Losing a B1 or B2 visa would not necessarily mean immediate deportation. According to AP, most people whose asylum cases are still pending could be reclassified under a different immigration status while losing their status as business or tourist visitors.
The planned move is the latest step in President Donald Trump’s broader immigration crackdown. The State Department said earlier in August that more than 175,000 visas had been revoked since Trump returned to office.
Trump has said his administration’s immigration policies are aimed at improving domestic security. Rights groups have challenged parts of the crackdown, arguing that some measures violate free speech and due process rights.
- Share: