B1, B2 Visa Update: Trump Admin Plans Major Change Impacting 200,000
The State Department said it was working with DHS on identifying those who had found a workaround for immigration rules.
The Trump administration is set to revoke the visas of approximately 200,000 immigrants who initially entered the United States on temporary visas and subsequently applied for asylum. These individuals, who arrived on B1 and B2 visas for tourism or business purposes, could be the target of the largest visa revocation program in U.S. history.
The decision, which aligns with President Donald Trump's promise to deport record numbers of immigrants, will be executed in collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). However, the State Department will take the lead in identifying and revoking the nonimmigrant visas of those who entered the U.S. as temporary visitors but later filed for asylum to stay permanently.
State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott emphasized that a visa is a privilege, not a right, and that the administration is determined to uphold the integrity of visa and asylum laws. Immigration advocates and legal experts are anticipated to challenge the move, citing that U.S. law allows individuals physically present in the country to seek asylum regardless of their entry method, provided they meet the necessary requirements and are not barred from protection.
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