U.S. preparing for largest mass visa revocation in history

Key Points:

• The Trump administration plans to revoke business (B1) and tourism (B2) visas of up to 200,000 foreigners who have applied for or are seeking asylum in the U.S., marking the largest mass visa revocation in U.S. history.
• The revocations will target visas issued between 2016 and 2026 and will be coordinated with the Department of Homeland Security, but revocation does not necessarily mean immediate deportation.
• This move aims to prevent individuals from using short-term visitor visas as a loophole to apply for asylum and remain in the U.S. permanently, reflecting increased visa restrictions under the Trump administration.
• The State Department has already revoked about 175,000 visas in the past 18 months for various reasons, including criminal convictions and political activism, and is also cracking down on birth tourism.
• Current B1 and B2 visa applicants must affirm they will not seek asylum and prove intent to return home, with screening efforts intensified following information from Citizenship and Immigration Services.