US Moves to Revoke 200,000 Foreigners’ Visas

According to reports, the proposed measure by the Donald Trump administration could affect holders of B1 and B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026. The US State Department is expected to begin notifying affected individuals in the coming weeks if the plan is finalised.

The administration is reportedly targeting foreigners who entered the United States on temporary visitor visas but later filed asylum applications in an attempt to remain in the country permanently.

State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said officials were working with the Department of Homeland Security to identify individuals who may be affected by the proposed action.

He explained that the government was reviewing cases involving nonimmigrant visa holders who allegedly entered the country claiming to be short-term visitors before seeking asylum.

However, officials have stressed that the figure of 200,000 remains subject to change as the review continues, and no final number has been confirmed.

The proposed visa cancellations would also not necessarily mean immediate deportation for individuals with pending asylum cases. In some circumstances, affected foreigners could lose their B1 or B2 status while their asylum proceedings continue under a different immigration status.

The development is expected to face legal challenges if implemented, particularly over how the government applies the proposed revocations to people with active asylum claims.

The latest move forms part of a broader immigration crackdown under the Trump administration, which has introduced tougher scrutiny for visa applicants and increased enforcement against individuals accused of abusing temporary immigration pathways.

Among the measures introduced are enhanced reviews of applicants’ social media activities, visa bond requirements and restrictions affecting citizens of certain countries.

US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau has also criticised asylum applications that he believes are being used to circumvent existing immigration rules.

B1 visas are generally issued for temporary business-related travel, while B2 visas cover tourism, family visits and certain medical purposes. Applicants are expected to demonstrate that they intend to leave the United States after their authorised stay.

The State Department has already revoked about 175,000 visas over the past 18 months, according to the report, involving individuals accused or convicted of offences including driving under the influence, rape and robbery.

Some visa holders have also reportedly had their visas revoked over public statements critical of US policies.

Meanwhile, the latest screening exercise reportedly began after US Citizenship and Immigration Services provided the State Department with information concerning asylum applications filed by certain visa holders.

The proposed action underscores the Trump administration’s continued effort to tighten immigration enforcement and prevent temporary visitor visas from being used as a pathway to permanent residence through asylum claims.