The Trump administration is preparing to revoke B1 and B2 visas held by foreigners who have applied for asylum in the United States. The review could affect up to 200,000 people, according to officials and documents obtained by the Associated Press.
The State Department is working with the Department of Homeland Security on the plan. If officials carry it out at that scale, it could become the largest single mass visa revocation in US history.
Quick Facts
| What happened | US officials are preparing to revoke B1 and B2 visas linked to asylum claims. |
|---|---|
| Where | United States |
| When | Further action is expected in the coming weeks. |
| Who is involved | US State Department, Department of Homeland Security and affected foreign nationals. |
| Potential impact | Up to 200,000 foreigners could potentially be affected. |
| Why it matters | The policy could become the largest mass visa revocation in US history. |
US Plans Major Visa Review
The Trump administration is preparing a major review of business and tourism visas.
The plan targets B1 and B2 visa holders who have sought asylum in the United States. Officials are reviewing visas issued between 2016 and 2026.
The State Department is coordinating the review with the Department of Homeland Security.
State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott confirmed that officials are identifying people who entered the country as short term visitors and later filed asylum claims.
He did not confirm the final number of affected visa holders. He said the number could change as officials continue the review.
Up to 200,000 Visas Could Be Revoked
Officials estimate that as many as 200,000 foreigners could potentially face visa revocation.
The exact number remains unclear. Officials say the review will continue on a rolling basis.
A visa revocation would not automatically lead to immediate deportation.
People with pending asylum cases could receive a different immigration classification. However, they would lose their B1 or B2 visitor status.
The State Department expects to announce more details in the coming weeks.
The policy could also face legal challenges. Courts may review whether the administration can apply the policy in the proposed way.
US Visa Revocations Have Increased
The latest plan follows a broader increase in visa enforcement.
The State Department has revoked about 175,000 visas over the past 18 months, according to the information provided in the report.
Those cases included people accused or convicted of crimes such as drunken driving, robbery and rape.
Officials have also taken action against some people who publicly criticized US policies, particularly regarding the Middle East.
The administration has separately targeted birth tourism and other immigration practices.
Visa Policy Could Affect Foreign Travelers
The policy could affect thousands of foreign nationals who entered the United States with temporary visas.
For affected people, losing a B1 or B2 visa could change their immigration status and travel options.
The move could also create new legal disputes over asylum and visa rules.
Travelers who hold these visas may closely watch the State Department’s next announcement.
The policy could have a wider effect if officials apply the review to a large number of existing visa holders.
The latest plan follows a broader increase in visa enforcement.
The State Department has revoked about 175,000 visas over the past 18 months, according to the information provided in the report.
Those cases included people accused or convicted of crimes such as drunken driving, robbery and rape.
Officials have also taken action against some people who publicly criticized US policies, particularly regarding the Middle East.
The administration has separately targeted birth tourism and other immigration practices.
Visa Review Could Bring Wider Impact
The policy could affect thousands of foreign nationals who entered the United States with temporary visas.
For affected people, losing a B1 or B2 visa could change their immigration status and travel options.
The move could also create new legal disputes over asylum and visa rules.
Travelers who hold these visas may closely watch the State Department’s next announcement.
The policy could have a wider effect if officials apply the review to a large number of existing visa holders.
What Happens Next With US Visas
The State Department is expected to provide more information in the coming weeks.
The final number of affected people remains uncertain.
Legal challenges could also follow once the government begins issuing individual visa revocation decisions.
The Trump administration is preparing a major review of B1 and B2 visas held by people who have sought asylum in the United States.
Up to 200,000 foreigners could potentially face visa revocation. The final number and legal outcome remain uncertain.
