US Prepares Largest Mass Visa Revocation, Targeting Up to 200,000 Asylum Seekers
Thestandard · 2 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
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 State Department documents obtained by the Associated Press . If carried out, this would mark the largest single mass revocation of visas in US history . The State Department, working in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, is expected to announce the revocation of B1 and B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026 whose holders have sought asylum .
Key Points
- Up to 200,000 B1 and B2 visas (business and tourism) issued between 2016 and 2026 could be revoked
- The action targets foreigners who have applied for or are currently seeking asylum status
- The State Department will coordinate with the Department of Homeland Security on the revocations
- Visa revocations would not necessarily result in immediate deportation ; most asylum seekers would be recategorized
- State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott stated the goal is to revoke visas of those who claimed to be short-term visitors but then filed for asylum
- Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau accused the immigration system of being "swamped by frivolous asylum claims"
- Earlier this month, the State Department revoked more than 175,000 visas under the Trump administration
Why It Matters
The proposed policy represents an unprecedented expansion of executive power over immigration, with legal experts warning it will likely face court challenges over due process concerns raised by rights groups .
The proposed policy represents an unprecedented expansion of executive power over immigration, with legal experts warning it will likely face court challenges over due process concerns raised by rights groups .