US to target 200,000 B1, B2 visa holders seeking asylum in unprecedented revocation drive

The United States government plans to revoke the business and tourism visas of approximately 200,000 individuals who have applied for or are currently seeking asylum in the country, according to an Associated Press report. This unprecedented revocation drive, expected to be announced by the State Department in the coming weeks, would be the largest mass revocation of visas in U.S. history.

The move may face legal challenges. The revocations will target B1 and B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026 to individuals who have sought or are currently seeking asylum. A State Department spokesperson stated that the revocations aim to identify foreigners who claim to be short-term visitors but file for asylum to stay permanently.

Initially, these revocations would not lead to deportation; instead, individuals would lose their status as tourism or business travelers. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau criticized individuals using business or tourist visas to enter the U.S. and subsequently apply for asylum, asserting that asylum is not a loophole to circumvent immigration law.

Applicants for B1 and B2 visas are now required to confirm their intention to return to their home countries and prove they do not plan to seek asylum. Since 2020, the U.S. has revoked around 175,000 visas, including those granted to individuals convicted of crimes and those who publicly oppose U.S. policies, particularly in the Middle East.