The Trump administration is on the verge of a significant policy shift that could impact thousands of individuals seeking asylum in the United States. According to State Department documents and officials, the administration is preparing to revoke B1 and B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026 for up to 200,000 foreigners who have applied for or are currently seeking asylum status.
This unprecedented action, coordinated with the Department of Homeland Security marks the largest single mass revocation of visas in US history. The move is expected to be announced in the coming weeks, pending any legal challenges or revisions.
Coordination Between State Department and DHS
The State Department spokesman, Tommy Pigott confirmed the coordination with the Department of Homeland Security to identify and revoke nonimmigrant visas of foreigners who entered the US on business or tourism visas but later applied for asylum. Pigott emphasized that the process will be ongoing and dynamic, with the number of revocations determined on a rolling basis.
Most individuals with pending asylum cases will be recategorized but will lose their status as business or tourism travelers. However, the revocations do not necessarily result in immediate deportation, according to the officials who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Increased Visa Restrictions Under Trump
Since President Donald Trump began his second term in 2026, his administration has steadily increased restrictions on visa applicants. These measures include demanding more information about social media histories, requiring expensive bonds for visa processing, and outright banning the issuance of visas to citizens of certain countries.
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau highlighted the issue on social media, criticizing individuals who use tourist and business visas to enter the US and then apply for asylum. Landau cited the case of a Colombian citizen who came to the US in 2015 on a tourist visa and later applied for asylum, illustrating what he described as a misuse of the visa system.
Impact on B1 and B2 Visa Holders
B1 visas are typically issued for business trips, while B2 visas are for tourism, family visits, or medical care. The State Department documents obtained by the Associated Press suggest that screening of current B1 and B2 visa holders began after the State Department received information about asylum requests from the Citizen and Immigration Service.
Current applicants for B1 and B2 visas are required to affirm that they will not apply for asylum in the United States and prove that they intend to return to their home countries. The administration has also moved to crack down on so-called birth tourism, a practice the administration claims is used by foreign pregnant women to come to the United States to give birth so that their child will benefit from birthright citizenship.
The State Department has already revoked about 175,000 visas in the past 18 months for individuals convicted or accused of crimes ranging from drunken driving to rape and robbery, as well as for people who have spoken out publicly against US policies, particularly in the Middle East. This latest move to revoke visas for asylum seekers is expected to face significant legal challenges and public scrutiny.
