The Trump administration is preparing a measure that could revoke up to 200,000 B1 and B2 visas held by foreign nationals who have applied for or are in the process of applying for asylum in the United States.
According to documents from the U.S. Department of State and statements from two U.S. officials cited by the Associated Press, the agency is expected to announce the measure in the coming weeks. The review would involve B1 business and B2 tourist visas issued between 2016 and 2026 to individuals who later filed asylum applications.
State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said the agency is coordinating with the Department of Homeland Security to identify and revoke visas belonging to people who entered the United States claiming to be short-term visitors but subsequently sought asylum to remain in the country.
Officials have not confirmed the final number of visas that could be revoked, stressing that the figure could change as the process continues.
The measure would not automatically result in immediate deportation. People with pending asylum cases could lose their status as business or tourist visitors while their immigration proceedings continue.
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The proposal could still be modified or face legal challenges before taking effect.
The administration has also increased scrutiny of visa applicants, including reviews of social media activity, higher visa-bond requirements and restrictions affecting citizens of certain countries.
