Trump administration plans to revoke 200,000 visas of asylum seekers

The Trump administration announced on Monday plans to revoke the non-immigrant visas of up to 200,000 foreigners seeking or currently filing for asylum in the United States, a move that could mark the largest single mass revocation of visas in U.S. history. A State Department spokesperson confirmed the plan, stating that the department is working with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to identify and revoke visas held by individuals who initially entered the U.S. as short-term visitors but then applied for asylum to remain permanently in the country.

The specific number of visas to be revoked has not been disclosed. The Associated Press cited state department documents and two U.S. officials, estimating that up to 200,000 business and tourism visas could be impacted, potentially making this the largest such revocation in U.S. history. The revoked visas, known as B1 and B2, were issued between 2016 and 2026 and are for business and tourism purposes.

The revocations would not typically lead to immediate deportation; instead, most individuals with pending asylum cases would be reclassified but would lose their status as business or tourism travelers. US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau had previously criticized the U.S. immigration system, alleging on X that it has been "swamped by frivolous asylum claims."

The state department reported earlier this month that over 175,000 visas had been revoked by the Trump administration. The administration's crackdown on immigration includes revocations of visas and green cards, as well as aggressive deportation efforts, aimed at enhancing domestic security. However, human rights groups have criticized the crackdown for violating free speech and due process rights, particularly for ethnic minorities, who have expressed concerns about racial profiling.

Despite Trump's 2024 campaign promise to curb illegal immigration, his administration has also made legal immigration more challenging, such as by imposing higher fees for applicants for certain work visas. The administration's efforts have encountered legal challenges.