Trump Administration Prepares to Revoke Up to 200,000 Visas of Asylum Seekers

Trump administration is preparing to take major action against foreigners who entered the United States on tourist or business visas and later applied for, or are currently seeking, asylum.

Under the plan, the administration could revoke the B-1 and B-2 visas of up to 200,000 people.

According to U.S. State Department documents obtained by the Associated Press and information from two U.S. officials, the measure could be announced in the coming weeks. If implemented, it could become the largest single mass visa revocation in U.S. history. AP report

The plan would reportedly affect holders of B-1 and B-2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026 who have applied for asylum or are currently pursuing asylum claims. The State Department and the Department of Homeland Security are expected to coordinate the process.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the administration is working to identify and revoke the nonimmigrant visas of people who entered the United States as short-term visitors but later sought asylum to remain in the country permanently.

The administration has not confirmed how many visas will ultimately be revoked. Pigott said the number remains dynamic because the process is ongoing.

Revocation of a visa would not necessarily lead to immediate deportation for people with pending asylum cases. However, affected individuals could lose their status as business or tourist visitors and be placed under a different immigration classification. The initiative is also expected to face possible legal challenges in court. AP report