The Trump administration is preparing to cancel the business and tourist visas of as many as 200,000 foreign nationals who have applied for asylum or are currently seeking it in the United States. If carried out, the move would represent the largest single mass visa revocation in U.S. history and would almost certainly face legal challenges.
Unless blocked or modified, the State Department is expected to announce within the coming weeks the revocation of B-1 and B-2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026 to holders who have sought or are now seeking asylum.
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A source close to the matter tells me, “the State Department is not revoking 200,000 visas in one fell swoop but is instead processing them in tranches on a rolling basis, meaning the total number will remain dynamic.”
State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said: “Under President Trump and Secretary Rubio’s leadership, we are making clear that a visa is a privilege — not a right. 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. These types of visas are issued with the clear understanding that they are for those who intend to return home. Obtaining a visa in order to seek asylum is fraud — which is grounds for visa revocation. This is an ongoing process as we uphold the integrity of our visa and asylum laws.”