Key facts
- The Trump administration plans to revoke up to 200,000 business and tourism visas.
- The affected individuals are those who have applied for or are currently seeking asylum in the U.S.
- This action would be the largest mass revocation of visas in U.S. history.
- The State Department is coordinating with the Department of Homeland Security on the revocations.
- The revocations are not expected to result in immediate deportation for those with pending asylum cases.
The Trump administration is preparing to revoke the business and tourism visas of up to 200,000 foreigners who have applied for or are currently seeking asylum in the United States. This action, if implemented, would represent the largest single mass revocation of visas in U.S. history and is likely to face legal challenges.
According to State Department documents obtained by the Associated Press and two U.S. officials, the State Department is expected to announce the revocations of B1 and B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026 for individuals who have sought or are seeking asylum. The action is being coordinated with the Department of Homeland Security.
State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott stated that the department is coordinating with DHS to identify and revoke visas of foreigners who claim to be short-term visitors but then file for asylum to stay permanently. He declined to provide a specific number, noting the process is ongoing and dynamic.
Officials indicated that the revocations would not necessarily lead to immediate deportation. Most individuals with pending asylum cases would lose their status as business or tourism travelers. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau criticized the use of asylum claims as a loophole to circumvent immigration law, citing an example of a Colombian citizen who entered on a tourist visa and later applied for asylum.
B1 visas are for business trips, and B2 visas are for tourism, family visits, or medical care. Current applicants for these visas are required to affirm their intent to return to their home countries and not apply for asylum. In the past 18 months, the State Department has revoked approximately 175,000 visas for individuals convicted or accused of crimes, or for those who have publicly criticized U.S. policies.