Largest Mass Visa Revocation in U.S. History

Washington – Agencies: The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump announced yesterday that it intends to revoke the visas of non-immigrant foreigners who have applied for asylum in the United States or are currently seeking asylum status, in the latest move as part of a comprehensive crackdown on immigration. A spokesperson for the State Department said it is coordinating with the Department of Homeland Security “to identify and revoke the visas of non-immigrant foreigners who entered the United States claiming to be short-term visitors but subsequently filed for asylum to remain here permanently.” The State Department’s statement did not specify the number of visas to be revoked under these measures. The Associated Press had previously reported that the number of foreigners whose business and tourism visas would be canceled could reach 200,000, adding that if implemented, this would be the largest mass revocation of visas in U.S. history. The agency’s report cited State Department documents and two U.S. officials. It further stated that the State Department would cancel what are known as B1 and B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026, whose holders had applied for asylum or are currently seeking it. B1 and B2 visas are issued for travel for business and tourism purposes. The Associated Press report noted that the visa cancellations would not necessarily lead to immediate deportation. It pointed out that most individuals whose asylum cases are still pending would be reclassified, but they would lose their status as business or tourism travelers.