The US Would Be Preparing to Revoke Visas for 200,000 Foreigners

The Donald Trump administration is reportedly preparing to revoke the business and tourism visas (B1 and B2) from approximately 200,000 foreigners, including those who have requested or are seeking asylum in the United States. This move, which could mark the largest visa revocation in U.S. history, would involve visas issued between 2016 and 2026, and is set to be announced by the Department of State in the coming weeks, according to the Associated Press (AP).

The decision comes after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) identified foreigners arriving in the U.S. as short-term visitors but later requesting asylum to stay permanently. Department of State spokesperson Tommy Pigott stated that they are coordinating with DHS to identify and revoke these visas. The matter was highlighted by the departure of Colombian activist Humberto 'Beto' Coral, who was deported after being detained for a month by U.S. immigration authorities.

Coral, who requested asylum in the U.S. in 2015, was criticized by Under Secretary of State Christopher Landau for receiving a work permit during the Obama administration, which he subsequently renewed for a decade. Landau deemed Coral's actions an "abuse" of U.S. laws, particularly given the activist's irregularities and subsequent deportation.

Coral's criticism of Colombian President Gustavo Petro, former President Alvaro Uribe, current President Abelardo de la Espriella, and U.S. President Donald Trump's migration policies further fueled the controversy. While visa revocations may not immediately lead to deportation, most individuals with pending asylum cases would lose their business or tourism traveler status.

Since President Trump's second term began last year, the administration has implemented stricter visa requirements, including increased scrutiny of applicants' social media presence, the payment of expensive bonds, and outright bans on visas for citizens of certain countries.