Trump administration plans to revoke visas of foreigners seeking asylum

The US Department of State announced on Monday plans to revoke the B1 and B2 visas of foreigners who have applied for or are seeking asylum in the United States. This move comes as part of President Donald Trump's administration's ongoing immigration crackdown. The state department spokesman stated that they are collaborating with Homeland Security to identify and revoke these non-immigrant visas.

However, the exact number of visas to be revoked remains unspecified. The Associated Press estimates that up to 200,000 visas could be revoked, setting a new record for the largest single mass revocation of visas in US history. These visas, issued between 2016 and 2026, are for business and tourism purposes. Upon revocation, individuals may not face immediate deportation but would lose their business or tourism visa status.

The state department's action may not lead to immediate deportation for most individuals with pending asylum cases; they would instead be re-categorized but without their previous visa privileges. Earlier in the day, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau criticized the American immigration system for being overwhelmed by what he called 'frivolous' asylum claims.

The state department has previously revoked over 175,000 visas of foreign nationals under Trump's administration, part of a broader immigration crackdown. This crackdown includes revocations of visas and green cards, as well as aggressive deportation efforts, ostensibly aimed at enhancing domestic security. Critics, including rights groups, argue that the crackdown violates free speech and due process rights and could create an unsafe environment, particularly for ethnic minorities who have expressed concerns about racial profiling.

Despite Trump's campaign promises in 2024 to curb illegal immigration, his administration has simultaneously made legal immigration more challenging, such as introducing new and expensive fees for applicants of certain work visas. The administration's efforts have faced legal challenges.