President Donald Trump has said that it had plans to revoke the non-immigrant visas of foreigners who have applied for or are currently seeking asylum in the country, with up to 200,000 business and tourism visa holders reportedly affected.
The proposed move, announced by the US State Department, is the latest in a sweeping immigration crackdown by the Trump administration.
According to the Associated Press, a State Department spokesperson said the department was coordinating with the Department of Homeland Security.
“To identify and revoke the non-immigrant 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,” the spokesperson said.
The department did not disclose the number of visas expected to be revoked.
However, the Associated Press reported that up to 200,000 foreigners whose business and tourism visas were issued between 2016 and 2026 could be affected, citing State Department documents and two US officials.
According to the report, the State Department would revoke B1 and B2 visas held by individuals who have sought or are currently seeking asylum.
B1 and B2 visas are non-immigrant visas issued primarily for business and tourism travel.
