US plans mass visa revocation for 200,000 asylum seekers

The United States government is reportedly preparing to revoke business and tourism visas for up to 200,000 foreign nationals who have applied for or are currently seeking asylum in the country. This action, if implemented, would mark the largest single mass revocation of visas in U.S. history. The State Department is expected to announce the cancellations of B1 and B2 visas, issued between 2016 and 2026, in the coming weeks.

The Trump administration justifies this measure by stating it aims to address what it describes as "frivolous asylum claims" that have overwhelmed the immigration system. State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott indicated that the government is coordinating with the Department of Homeland Security to identify and revoke visas from individuals who entered the U.S. as short-term visitors but subsequently filed for permanent asylum.

While the revocations would strip individuals of their business or tourism traveler status, officials have stated that it would not necessarily result in immediate deportation for those with pending asylum cases. Instead, most affected individuals would be re-categorized. The proposed policy is widely anticipated to face legal challenges.