US Prepares Historic Visa Revocation Targeting Up to 200,000 Asylum Seekers

The United States is preparing to cancel business and tourism visas for as many as 200,000 foreigners who have applied for or are seeking asylum in the country, according to reports from the Associated Press news agency.

Citing State Department documents and interviews with two US officials, the AP reported that this planned action would represent the “largest single mass revocation of visas” in the history of the country. The State Department is anticipated to officially announce the measure soon, operating in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The initiative would focus on B1 and B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026 where the holders have sought or are currently seeking asylum. State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott stated that authorities are working alongside DHS to identify and revoke nonimmigrant visas of individuals who entered the US under the guise of short-term visitors before filing for permanent residency through asylum.

Officials noted that these revocations will not instantly result in deportations. Instead, most individuals with pending asylum cases will be transitioned to a different immigration status, removing their tourist or business designations while legal proceedings continue.

Addressing the policy on social media, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau criticized the practice of utilizing temporary visitor visas to enter the country and subsequently apply for asylum, stating that the public is frustrated with what the administration terms bogus claims used to bypass immigration laws.

Since President Donald Trump assumed office for his second term, his administration has consistently increased limitations on visa applicants. These measures include demanding additional social media background information, implementing costly processing bonds, and entirely prohibiting visa issuance for citizens of specific nations. Over the past 18 months, the State Department has also rescinded approximately 175,000 visas for individuals accused or convicted of various crimes, as well as those publicly criticizing US policies.