The Trump administration is planning to revoke up to 200,000 business and tourism visas from foreigners who have applied for or are seeking asylum in the U.S. This move, expected to be announced in the coming weeks, will be the largest mass revocation of visas in U.S. history if it proceeds as planned. Such a measure would likely face legal challenges.
The revocation targets B1 and B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026. U.S. officials state the action will occur in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security. According to State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott, the goal is to address situations where individuals enter the U.S. claiming short-term visits, only to apply for asylum.
The number of visas revoked will vary as the process unfolds. Officials emphasize that these revocations do not automatically lead to deportation. Instead, those with pending asylum cases would lose their business or tourism travel status but not be immediately removed from the country.
Since President Trump’s second term commencement last year, the administration has imposed stricter visa application regulations. These include demanding detailed social media histories, requiring expensive bonds for visa processing, and banning visas for certain nationalities.
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau addressed these changes, criticizing those who use visas to enter the U.S. and subsequently seek asylum. Landau highlighted a Colombian individual who used a tourist visa for asylum purposes as an example.
B1 visas typically cover business trips, while B2 visas cater to tourism, family visits, or medical treatment. Current applicants for these visas must affirm they will not seek asylum and demonstrate plans to return to their home countries.
Over the past 18 months, the State Department has revoked about 175,000 visas due to criminal convictions or accusations and for those opposing U.S. policies, particularly in the Middle East.
The administration is also targeting birth tourism, arguing that foreign women seek to give birth in the U.S. to secure birthright citizenship for their children. Attempts to end birthright citizenship have faced legal setbacks, including rulings by the Supreme Court.
State Department documents indicate that the scrutiny of current visa holders began following information on asylum requests from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
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