Trump Administration Plans Major Visa Revocations for Asylum Seekers

The Trump administration is set to revoke the business and tourism visas of up to 200,000 foreigners who have applied for or are seeking asylum in the United States. This move, if executed, would be the largest mass revocation of visas in U.S. history and is expected to face legal challenges.

The State Department is likely to announce the revocation of B1 and B2 visas in the coming weeks. These visas were issued between 2016 and 2026 to individuals who have applied for asylum or are currently seeking it. The action is being coordinated with the Department of Homeland Security.

State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott stated, “We are coordinating with DHS to identify and revoke the nonimmigrant visas of foreigners who have come to the United States claiming to be short-term visitors, but then file for asylum to stay here permanently.” He did not confirm the number of visas that might be revoked, noting that the process is ongoing and revocations will occur on a rolling basis.

The revocation of visas would not necessarily lead to immediate deportation, according to officials. Many with pending asylum cases would be reclassified but would lose their status as business or tourism travelers, say officials who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Since taking office for a second term last year, President Donald Trump has increased restrictions on visa applicants. These include demands for more information about social media histories, requiring bonds for visa processing, and banning visas for citizens of certain countries.

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau highlighted the issue in a social media post, criticizing those who use tourist and business visas to enter the U.S. and then apply for asylum. He referenced a Colombian citizen who arrived in the U.S. in 2015 on a tourist visa before seeking asylum.

B1 visas are typically issued for business trips, while B2 visas cover tourism, family visits, or medical care. Documents do not clarify how many current visa holders have sought asylum and will be affected by the policy change.

Visa applicants for B1 and B2 visas currently are asked to affirm they will not apply for asylum in the U.S. and must prove intent to return to their home countries. In the past 18 months, the State Department has revoked about 175,000 visas for individuals convicted or accused of crimes, or for those who’ve publicly opposed U.S. policies.

The administration is also cracking down on birth tourism, where women give birth in the U.S. to secure birthright citizenship for their child. Attempts to end birthright citizenship have thus far been blocked by courts.

The State Department’s action follows information from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services about asylum requests made by B1 and B2 visa holders.