The US plans to revoke at least 200,000 visas in what would be the biggest single mass revocation in its history.
The move targets B1 and B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026 to people who have already applied for asylum or are currently seeking it. B1 visas are usually used for business trips, while B2 visas cover tourism, family visits and medical care.
According to State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott, officials are working with the Department of Homeland Security to identify holders who entered the country claiming to be short-term visitors but later filed for asylum. The revocations will happen gradually rather than in one go.
Those affected will no longer be treated as tourists or business travellers and their cases will be reclassified, but this does not mean they will be deported right away. Current applicants for these visas are now being asked to confirm they will not seek asylum and that they plan to return home after their visit.
The policy comes as the Trump administration continues tightening visa rules, including demands for more details on applicants’ social media accounts and requirements for bonds in some cases. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said people are tired of what he called bogus asylum claims and stressed that asylum should not be used as a loophole around immigration laws.
In the past 18 months, the State Department has already revoked around 175,000 visas belonging to people with criminal convictions or accusations, Zoyols News reports.
