US plans 'largest visa revocation in history' for asylum seekers

The U.S. government is preparing to revoke visas for individuals who entered the country on tourist or business visas but subsequently sought asylum to remain permanently. The State Department announced this significant policy shift, characterizing it as a move to combat immigration fraud.

An official statement indicated that the administration is working with the Department of Homeland Security to identify and cancel visas for those who allegedly misrepresented their intentions upon arrival. "Obtaining a visa to seek asylum is fraud, and that is grounds for visa revocation," stated a State Department spokesperson. The White House hinted that the action could impact "up to 200,000 visas," potentially making it the largest visa revocation event in history, though the department did not confirm the exact number, describing it as "dynamic."

This policy aligns with President Donald Trump's broader agenda to reduce immigration. Since his return to office in January 2025, the State Department has already revoked approximately 175,000 visas for various reasons, including criminal offenses and, in one instance, glorifying a murder. The administration has also previously revoked visas for Mexican officials.

While Trump's platform emphasized combating illegal immigration, his administration has also sought to restrict legal immigration and penalize visa overstays. Some of these measures have faced legal challenges. Notably, a federal judge recently overturned a ban on issuing visas to citizens of 75 countries seeking to reside in the U.S. indefinitely. The administration also plans to enhance scrutiny of applicants' social media accounts, reinforcing its stance that "a visa is not a right, but a privilege."