The Trump administration is preparing to revoke business and tourism visas for up to 200,000 foreigners. The affected individuals entered the United States on short-term visas before seeking asylum.
According to US officials and State Department documents obtained by The Associated Press, officials are preparing the action. The move could become the largest mass visa revocation in US history.
The State Department plans to review B1 and B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026. Officials are coordinating the process with the Department of Homeland Security.
Officials Begin Screening Visa Holders
State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott confirmed the ongoing identification process. However, he said the number of affected visa holders remains uncertain.
B1 visas generally cover business travel. Meanwhile, B2 visas apply to tourism, family visits and medical treatment.
The planned revocations would not automatically trigger immediate deportation. People with pending asylum applications could continue pursuing their cases.
Administration Tightens Immigration Policies
The administration has strengthened immigration and visa policies since President Donald Trump returned to office. These measures include expanded social media screening and visa bonds.
Officials have also introduced restrictions targeting nationals from certain countries. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau defended the planned visa action.
Landau argued that asylum should not become a way to bypass US immigration laws. Meanwhile, the State Department has already revoked around 175,000 visas during the past 18 months.
Those revocations involved people accused or convicted of crimes. In some cases, officials also revoked visas from individuals who publicly opposed US policies.
The latest screening began after US Citizenship and Immigration Services shared information about asylum applications. The proposed action is expected to face legal challenges.
