US prepares mass visa revocation for asylum seekers

The U.S. government is reportedly preparing to revoke business and tourist visas for as many as 200,000 foreign nationals who have applied for or are currently seeking asylum in the United States. If enacted, this would represent the largest mass revocation of visas in U.S. history and is expected to face legal challenges.

Documents obtained by The Associated Press and confirmed by two U.S. officials indicate that the State Department plans to announce the revocation of B1 and B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026 to individuals who have applied for asylum. This action is being coordinated with the Department of Homeland Security.

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there is coordination with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) “to identify and revoke non-immigrant visas of aliens who have arrived in the United States claiming to be short-term visitors, but who later apply for asylum to stay here permanently”.

Tommy Pigott, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, confirmed coordination with DHS to "identify and revoke non-immigrant visas of aliens who have arrived in the United States claiming to be short-term visitors, but who later apply for asylum to stay here permanently." Pigott declined to specify the exact number of visas that could be revoked, noting the figure remains variable as the process will be ongoing and progressive.

Officials speaking anonymously stated that the revocations would not automatically result in immediate deportation. Most individuals with pending asylum cases would have their status reclassified, but they would forfeit their status as business or tourist travelers. This move follows a pattern of increased restrictions on visa applicants since President Donald Trump took office, including demands for more social media history and the prohibition of visas for citizens of certain countries.

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given that the process will be continuous, the number of revocations remains variable and will be carried out progressively.