US Prepares Largest Mass Visa Revocation in History, Targeting Up to 200,000 Foreigners

The Trump administration is preparing to revoke the business and tourism visas of up to 200,000 foreigners who have applied for or are currently seeking asylum in the United States.

If implemented, the move would represent the largest single mass revocation of visas in U.S. history and would likely face legal challenges.

Unless the policy is challenged or revised, the State Department is expected to announce in the coming weeks the revocation of B1 and B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026 to people who have sought asylum or are currently seeking asylum in the United States.

According to State Department documents obtained by The Associated Press and two U.S. officials, the action will be carried out in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said the government is working with DHS to identify and revoke the nonimmigrant visas of foreigners who entered the United States claiming to be short-term visitors but later filed for asylum in an attempt to remain in the country permanently.

B1 visas are generally issued for business-related travel, while B2 visas are primarily used for tourism, medical treatment and other short-term visits.

If implemented, the policy could affect hundreds of thousands of foreign nationals and significantly tighten the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement efforts. However, the plan could face legal challenges and may be revised before it takes effect.

Source: The Associated Press (AP)