The Trump administration is preparing to revoke up to 200,000 U.S. visas in what could become one of the largest mass visa cancellations in recent American history.
The move is expected to target foreign nationals who entered—or sought to enter—the United States on business or tourist visas and later filed, or are filing, asylum claims.
According to documents reviewed by The Associated Press and two U.S. officials, the State Department is working with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on the planned action.
Who could lose their visas?
The measure is expected to cover B1 and B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026 to people who subsequently sought asylum in the United States.
- B1 visas generally cover temporary business travel.
- B2 visas are typically used for tourism, family visits and certain medical purposes.
- The planned cancellations would target holders who used those temporary visas while pursuing asylum.
State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said officials were working with DHS to identify people who entered the country as temporary visitors but later sought to remain through the asylum system.
He indicated that the cancellations would happen gradually rather than all at once, meaning the eventual number could change as the review continues.
Losing a visa does not automatically mean deportation
The planned revocations would not necessarily trigger immediate removal from the United States.
Officials said people with pending asylum cases could retain their ability to pursue those cases while losing their classification as business or tourist visitors.
That distinction could become important if the policy faces legal challenges.
Why is the administration doing this?
The visa crackdown fits into a broader immigration enforcement strategy pursued by President Donald Trump since he returned to office in 2025.
His administration has introduced or expanded several measures affecting foreign visitors and visa applicants, including:
- Greater scrutiny of applicants’ social media activity.
- Financial bond requirements in certain visa cases.
- Restrictions on visas for nationals of selected countries.
- Increased scrutiny of travelers suspected of using temporary visas for purposes beyond their stated intent.
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau has particularly criticized people who enter the country as visitors and subsequently seek asylum.
In a Monday social media post, Landau argued that asylum should not be used as a means of bypassing U.S. immigration restrictions.
The scale remains uncertain
Despite the widely reported estimate of as many as 200,000 potential revocations, the exact number of people who would ultimately be affected was not clear from the documents or officials’ statements.
The administration has also been conducting broader visa enforcement.
Over roughly the previous 18 months, the State Department had revoked about 175,000 visas involving people accused or convicted of offenses ranging from drunk driving to serious violent crimes. The department has also taken action against some individuals over public statements concerning U.S. policies, particularly regarding the Middle East.
Birth tourism is another target
The administration has separately intensified its efforts against what it calls “birth tourism”—the practice of foreign nationals traveling to the United States while pregnant with the intention of giving birth there and obtaining U.S. citizenship for their children.
Trump has repeatedly sought to restrict birthright citizenship.
However, attempts to implement those changes have encountered significant court challenges, with judges blocking the administration’s efforts.
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What happens next?
The proposed visa cancellations could create a new legal and political battle over the government’s authority to revoke visas from people who have sought asylum.
For affected travelers, the key issue will be whether losing a B1 or B2 visa changes their ability to remain in the United States while an asylum claim is pending.
The administration says the crackdown is aimed at preventing abuse of temporary visas. Critics and potential plaintiffs are likely to focus on due process, immigration law and the government’s authority to impose such broad cancellations.
source: NAN