US set for largest mass visa revocation in history targeting up to 200,000 foreigners

The United States is on the verge of the largest mass visa revocation in its history, targeting up to 200,000 foreigners who have applied for or are currently seeking asylum in the country. If implemented, this action would mark a significant increase in the number of revoked visas in U.S. history and is likely to face legal challenges.

The State Department, in collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security, is expected to announce the revocation of B1 and B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026 to individuals who have sought asylum or are currently seeking it. State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott stated that the revocations are being coordinated to identify and revoke nonimmigrant visas of foreigners who claim to be short-term visitors but are applying for asylum to stay permanently in the United States.

While the revocations would not necessarily lead to immediate deportation, most of those with pending asylum cases would be reclassified, losing their status as business or tourism travelers. This move comes as the Trump administration has been steadily increasing restrictions on visa applicants, demanding more information about social media histories, requiring expensive bonds for visa processing, and outright banning visa issuance to citizens of certain countries.