US to Revoke Visas of Up to 200,000 Asylum Seekers in Historic Move

The Trump administration is preparing to revoke the business and tourism visas of up to 200,000 foreigners who have applied for asylum in the United States, according to State Department documents and two US officials. If implemented, this would mark the largest single mass visa revocation in American history and is expected to face legal challenges.

The State Department is expected to announce the cancellation of B1 and B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026 whose holders have sought asylum, in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security. The move targets individuals who entered the country as short-term visitors but later filed for asylum to remain permanently.

State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott confirmed the coordination with DHS, stating that the process will be ongoing and the number of revocations will remain dynamic. Officials noted that the revocations would not necessarily lead to immediate deportation, but those with pending asylum cases would lose their status as business or tourism travelers.

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau addressed the issue on social media, criticizing what he called "bogus asylum claims" and citing the case of a Colombian citizen who entered on a tourist visa in 2015 before applying for asylum. The administration has already revoked approximately 175,000 visas over the past 18 months for individuals convicted or accused of crimes, as well as for those who have spoken against US policies.

The move follows a broader crackdown on visa applicants, including stricter social media screening, mandatory bonds, and outright bans for citizens of certain countries. Current B1 and B2 applicants must now affirm they will not apply for asylum and prove their intention to return home.