According to the Associated Press, the U.S. administration is preparing to revoke travel and business visas of up to 200,000 foreigners who have filed or are in the process of seeking asylum in the country. The move is expected to create the largest mass visa revocation in U.S. history.
The AP, citing State Department documents and interviews with two U.S. officials, reported that the plan is expected to be announced in the coming weeks, with coordination between the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Under the plan, B1 and B2 visas issued from 2016 to 2026 would be targeted if the holders have filed or are currently pursuing asylum applications.
State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said: “We are coordinating with DHS to identify and revoke nonimmigrant visas of foreigners who entered the U.S. under the guise of short-term visitors but subsequently filed for asylum to remain permanently.”
Officials cited by the AP said the visa revocations would not automatically lead to deportation. Instead, most individuals with pending asylum cases would be transferred to another immigration category, meaning they would lose their travel or business status while their review process continues.
On social media, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau criticized those who exploit travel and business visas to enter the U.S. and then seek asylum. He wrote: “The American people and people around the world are tired of bogus asylum claims. Asylum is not a loophole to circumvent immigration law.”
Since President Donald Trump began his second term, his administration has continuously tightened visa regulations, including requiring additional social media history information, mandating security bonds for visa processing, and banning visa issuance to citizens of certain countries.
Over the past 18 months, the State Department has also revoked about 175,000 visas for individuals convicted or charged with offenses ranging from drunk driving to rape and robbery, as well as those who openly oppose U.S. policies, particularly in the Middle East.
