Trump Administration Plans Visa Revocation for Asylum Seekers

The Trump administration is considering the revocation of business and tourism visas for as many as 200,000 foreigners who have applied for asylum in the U.S. This would represent the largest mass revocation of visas in the country’s history and may face legal challenges.

According to State Department documents and two U.S. officials, the revocation of B1 and B2 visas, issued between 2016 and 2026 to those applying for asylum, may be announced soon. The move is being coordinated with the Department of Homeland Security.

We are coordinating with DHS to identify and revoke the nonimmigrant visas of foreigners who have come to the United States claiming to be short-term visitors, but then file for asylum to stay here permanently, stated State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott. He declined to specify the number of visas under revocation, noting that the process is ongoing.

Revoking these visas would not immediately result in deportation for asylum seekers whose cases are pending. These individuals would lose their status as business or tourism travelers.

Since President Trump took office for his second term, the administration has increased visa application restrictions, including social media history checks, imposing financial bonds for processing, and banning visas for certain countries.

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau criticized those who misuse tourism and business visas to enter the U.S. and apply for asylum.

Landau highlighted a Colombian citizen’s case from 2015, where an individual entered on a tourist visa and later applied for asylum.

B1 visas are typically for business purposes, while B2 visas cover tourism, family visits, or medical care. Current applicants must confirm they won’t seek asylum and provide evidence of their intentions to return home.

Over the past 18 months, about 175,000 visas have been revoked for crimes ranging from drunken driving to robbery, as well as for speaking against U.S. policies.

The administration is also acting against birth tourism. This practice involves pregnant women traveling to the U.S. to secure citizenship for their newborn. Attempts by Trump to end birthright citizenship have been dismissed by the courts.

The screening of current visa holders began following asylum request notifications from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.