Trump administration to revoke visas of foreigners seeking asylum in US, officials say

President Donald Trump's administration announced on Monday its intention to revoke the non-immigrant visas of individuals who have applied for or are currently pursuing asylum in the United States, as part of a broader immigration enforcement strategy. A spokesperson for the State Department revealed that the department is working with the Department of Homeland Security to "identify and revoke the non-immigrant visas of foreigners who have come to the United States as short-term visitors but have filed asylum claims to remain permanently." The specific number of visas to be revoked was not disclosed in the statement.

The Associated Press (AP) estimated that up to 200,000 visas could be revoked, potentially making it the largest mass revocation of visas in U.S. history. The AP cited State Department documents and two U.S. officials to substantiate this figure. The revocation would target B1 and B2 visas, which are issued for business and tourism purposes, respectively.

These visas were issued between 2016 and 2026 to individuals who have either sought asylum or are presently seeking asylum in the U.S. The AP also noted that revoking these visas would not necessarily lead to immediate deportation; most individuals with pending asylum cases would be reclassified but would no longer be classified as business or tourism travelers.

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau had previously criticized the U.S. immigration system on X, claiming it is "swamped by frivolous asylum claims." This statement came just days before the administration's announcement. Earlier this month, the State Department reported that over 175,000 visas of foreign nationals had been revoked during the Trump administration.

Trump's immigration crackdown encompasses visa and green card revocations, as well as increased deportation efforts, which he claims are aimed at enhancing domestic security. Critics, including various rights groups, argue that the crackdown infringes upon free speech and due process rights, and could lead to unsafe conditions, particularly for ethnic minorities who fear racial profiling.

The administration's efforts to tighten immigration laws have also extended to legal immigration processes, such as the imposition of new and expensive fees for certain work visa applicants. The administration's crackdown on immigration has encountered legal challenges.