US plans to revoke tourism and business visas of up to 200,000 foreigners - report

The Trump administration is preparing to revoke B1 and B2 visas of up to 200,000 foreigners who have applied for or are seeking asylum in the US, according to an AP report citing State Department documents and officials. If implemented, it would be the largest single mass visa revocation in US history.

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, according to an Associated Press report published Monday. The report cites State Department documents obtained by AP and two US officials. If the move materializes, it would be the largest single mass revocation of visas in US history. The State Department is expected to announce in the coming weeks the revocation of B1 and B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026 whose holders have sought or are now seeking asylum. The action will be coordinated with the Department of Homeland Security. Most of those with pending asylum cases would be re-categorized but would lose their status as business or tourism travelers. The visa revocations would not necessarily result in immediate deportation. Earlier on Monday, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau alleged on X/Twitter that the American immigration system 'has long been swamped by frivolous asylum claims.' The State Department said earlier this month it has revoked more than 175,000 visas from foreign nationals under the Trump administration. Rights groups say the crackdown has violated free speech and due process rights and created an unsafe environment, particularly for ethnic minorities.