U.S. preparing to revoke visas for up to 200,000 asylum applicants

The Trump administration is reportedly preparing to revoke the business and tourist visas of as many as 200,000 foreign nationals who have entered the United States and applied for asylum. This significant action, if carried out, would represent the largest single cancellation of visas in U.S. history, according to an Associated Press report citing State Department documents and government officials.

The plan, as detailed by the AP, suggests that the State Department intends to cancel the commercial (B1) and tourist (B2) visas issued between 2016 and 2026 for individuals who have applied for or are currently seeking asylum. B1 visas are typically for business trips, while B2 visas are for tourism, medical treatment, or visiting family.

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We are working with DHS to identify and revoke non-immigrant visas for aliens who enter the U.S. as short-term visitors but seek to remain in the country permanently through asylum.

Under current regulations, foreign nationals issued B1 or B2 visas must attest that they intend to return to their home country and will not seek to remain in the U.S. permanently. Tommy Pigott, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, confirmed to the AP that the department is collaborating with Homeland Security to identify and revoke non-immigrant visas for individuals who enter the U.S. as short-term visitors but then seek asylum for permanent residency.

Pigott declined to provide a specific number for the visa cancellations, stating that the figures are fluid and subject to ongoing processes. The move signals a stricter approach to immigration and asylum claims, aiming to deter individuals from using visitor visas as a pathway to remain in the country indefinitely.

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The number of revocations is fluid and will be ongoing as the process continues.