The Trump administration is poised to revoke the business and tourism visas of up to 200,000 foreigners currently seeking asylum in the United States. This action could become the largest single mass revocation of visas in U.S. history.
The U.S. State Department, in cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security, plans to announce the revocation of B1 and B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026 to holders who have applied for asylum, according to documents and officials. State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott stated that the revocations will occur on a rolling basis, although specific numbers remain dynamic.
These revocations, however, will not immediately lead to deportation. Many holders will be recategorized, losing their business or tourism status but not necessarily being expelled, according to officials speaking anonymously.
Since President Trump’s second term, his administration has intensified visa restrictions. Measures include demands for social media history, issuance of expensive bonds for visa processing, and outright bans affecting citizens of specific countries.
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau criticized individuals using temporary visas to apply for asylum in a social media post. He highlighted the case of a Colombian citizen who entered the U.S. on a tourist visa and later sought asylum.
Current visa applicants must affirm they won’t apply for asylum and prove they intend to return home. In the past 18 months, around 175,000 visas have been revoked for various reasons including criminal activity and critical comments against U.S. policies.
The administration also targets birth tourism, where foreign pregnant women aim to secure birthright citizenship for their children. Courts, including the Supreme Court, have rejected Trump’s attempts to end birthright citizenship.
These visa screenings became a priority after receiving information about asylum requests from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
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