Trump administration to revoke 200,000 asylum seeker visas

The Trump administration announced plans to revoke the non-immigrant visas of foreigners who have applied for or are currently seeking asylum in the United States. A State Department spokesperson stated the department is working with Homeland Security to identify and revoke visas for individuals who entered as short-term visitors but then filed for asylum to remain permanently.

The Associated Press, citing State Department documents and two U.S. officials, reported that up to 200,000 business and tourism visas (B1 and B2) issued between 2016 and 2026 could be revoked. This action would represent the largest single mass revocation of visas in U.S. history.

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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

While the revocations would not necessarily lead to immediate deportation, individuals with pending asylum cases would lose their status as business or tourism travelers. This policy is the latest in a series of immigration enforcement measures by the Trump administration, which includes visa and green card revocations and increased deportations, all aimed at enhancing domestic security.

However, rights groups have voiced strong opposition, arguing that these measures infringe upon free speech and due process rights. They express particular concern about racial profiling and the creation of an unsafe environment, especially for ethnic minorities. The administration's crackdown has also faced legal challenges.

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has long been swamped by frivolous asylum claims