U.S. plans to revoke tourism and business visas of up to 200,000 foreigners, AP reports

The U.S. administration plans to revoke nonimmigrant visas of up to 200,000 foreign nationals who have applied for or are seeking asylum in the country, according to an Associated Press report. State Department spokesman confirmed the move is part of a broader immigration crackdown, coordinated with the Department of Homeland Security.

The revoked visas would be B1 and B2 visas, issued for business and tourism purposes between 2016 and 2026. The AP, citing state department documents and two U.S. officials, estimates that up to 200,000 visas may be revoked, which would be the largest single mass revocation of visas in U.S. history. The revocation would not lead to immediate deportation, but most individuals with pending asylum cases would be recategorized and lose their business or tourism status.

Earlier this month, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau criticized the U.S. immigration system for being swamped by "frivolous asylum claims." The administration's crackdown on immigration includes revoking visas and green cards, and aggressive deportation efforts. Rights groups have criticized the crackdown, alleging violations of free speech and due process rights, particularly for ethnic minorities who have raised concerns about racial profiling. The crackdown on legal immigration has also faced legal challenges.