Trump moves to revoke nearly 200,000 asylum seekers’ visas

The administration of United States President Donald Trump plans to revoke the non-immigrant visas of up to 200,000 foreigners who have applied for or are currently seeking asylum in the country. According to the US State Department, the move is part of a broader immigration crackdown by the Trump administration. A State Department spokesperson stated that the department is coordinating with the Department of Homeland Security to identify and revoke the visas of foreigners who have arrived in the United States as short-term visitors but are seeking permanent residency through asylum.

The department did not specify the exact number of visas that would be revoked, but the Associated Press cited State Department documents and two US officials, indicating that business and tourism visa holders issued between 2016 and 2026 may be affected. The revoked visas would be B1 and B2 visas, which are primarily for business and tourism travel.

The State Department would revoke these visas from individuals who have sought or are currently seeking asylum. While immediate deportation is not guaranteed, most people with pending asylum cases would lose their status as business or tourism visitors. The proposed revocations are part of a series of measures aimed at strengthening domestic security and enforcing US immigration laws.

However, rights groups have criticized the crackdown, alleging that it undermines free speech, due process rights, and creates an unsafe environment, especially for ethnic minorities concerned about racial profiling. The administration's immigration policies have faced legal challenges.