U.S. set for largest mass visa revocation in history targeting up to 200,000 foreigners, officials say

Key Points:

• The U.S. State Department is working with the Department of Homeland Security to identify and revoke B1/B2 nonimmigrant visas of foreigners who enter as short-term visitors but then apply for asylum to stay permanently.
• Visa revocations will be carried out on a rolling basis, and losing visitor status does not mean immediate deportation; most affected individuals will have their status recategorized.
• Since President Trump's second term began, visa restrictions have increased, including more scrutiny of applicants' social media, bond requirements, and bans on certain countries.
• Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau criticized misuse of tourist and business visas for asylum claims, calling it a loophole undermining immigration law.
• The State Department has revoked about 175,000 visas in the past 18 months for criminal convictions or public opposition to U.S. policies, and is also cracking down on birth tourism amid ongoing legal challenges to birthright citizenship.