US prepares largest mass visa revocation targeting up to 200,000 asylum seekers
The Trump administration plans to revoke B1 and B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026 held by foreigners who have applied for or are seeking asylum. The State Department is expected to announce the action in the coming weeks.
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The Trump administration is preparing to revoke the business and tourism visas of up to 200,000 foreigners who have applied for or are currently seeking asylum in the United States.
If carried out, the action would be the largest single mass revocation of visas in US history. It targets holders of B1 and B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026.
State Department documents and two US officials confirmed the plan. The department is expected to announce the revocations in the coming weeks in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security.
State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said the goal is to identify and revoke the nonimmigrant visas of people who entered the United States claiming to be short-term visitors but then filed for asylum to remain permanently.
Most individuals with pending asylum cases would be re-categorised and would lose their status as business or tourism travellers. The move does not automatically mean immediate deportation.
Since taking office for a second term, the administration has tightened visa rules, including expanded social media checks, bond requirements and bans for citizens of certain countries. The State Department has already revoked more than 175,000 visas under the current administration.
Legal challenges are widely expected. Rights groups have argued that such measures raise due process concerns.
