Set to revoke up to 200,000 visas

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Trump administration is preparing a major immigration policy move that could see the United States revoke the business and tourist visas of as many as 200,000 foreign nationals who have applied for, or are currently seeking, asylum in the country.

If implemented, the move could become the largest mass revocation of U.S. visas in history and is expected to face legal challenges.

According to U.S. State Department documents obtained by the Associated Press and two U.S. officials, the State Department could begin revoking B1 and B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026 to individuals who have sought asylum or are currently pursuing asylum claims.

The action is being coordinated with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott confirmed that the administration is working with DHS to identify visa holders who entered the country as short-term visitors but later filed for asylum.

“We are coordinating with DHS to identify and revoke the nonimmigrant 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,” Pigott said.

He did not confirm how many visas could ultimately be revoked, saying the process would be carried out on a rolling basis and that the number could change.

Visa Revocation Would Not Automatically Mean Deportation

U.S. officials say the revocation of a B1 or B2 visa would not necessarily lead to immediate deportation.

Individuals with pending asylum cases could instead be moved into a different immigration status while losing their classification as business or tourism visitors.

The potential policy comes as the Trump administration continues to tighten U.S. immigration and visa requirements.

Since President Donald Trump returned to office for his second term, the administration has increased scrutiny of visa applicants, including demands for additional information about applicants’ social media activity, visa bond requirements and restrictions affecting citizens of certain countries.

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau also addressed the issue on social media, criticizing individuals who enter the United States on tourist or business visas and subsequently apply for asylum.

Landau argued that asylum should not be used as a way to bypass U.S. immigration laws.

What Are B1 and B2 Visas?

B1 visas are generally issued to people traveling to the United States temporarily for business purposes.

B2 visas are generally used for tourism, visiting family and friends, or receiving certain types of medical treatment.

Applicants are expected to demonstrate that their visit is temporary and that they intend to return to their home countries.

The State Department documents indicate that screening of existing B1 and B2 visa holders began after information about asylum applications was shared with the State Department by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Broader Immigration Crackdown

The potential mass visa revocation is part of a wider immigration enforcement effort by the Trump administration.

Over the past 18 months, the State Department has revoked approximately 175,000 visas, according to officials, involving individuals accused or convicted of crimes ranging from drunken driving to more serious offenses such as rape and robbery.

The administration has also taken action against individuals it says have publicly supported positions contrary to U.S. policy, particularly concerning the Middle East.

Officials have separately intensified efforts to restrict so-called birth tourism, in which foreign nationals travel to the United States to give birth.

President Trump has repeatedly sought to end birthright citizenship, although those efforts have faced challenges in federal courts.

What Happens Next?

The State Department is expected to make further announcements in the coming weeks.

The proposed action could affect a significant number of foreign nationals who entered the United States legally on business or tourist visas before seeking asylum.

However, the exact number of affected visa holders remains uncertain, and the policy could be challenged in court before or after implementation.

For now, the State Department says the review and potential revocations will be conducted on a rolling basis.

KASSMTV USA Media will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as the U.S. government clarifies who will be affected and what the policy will mean for current and former B1 and B2 visa holders.