Trump moves to revoke nearly 200,000 asylum seekers’ visas

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The administration of United States 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.

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The proposed move, announced by the US State Department, is the latest in a sweeping immigration crackdown by the Trump administration.

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According to the Associated Press, a State Department spokesperson said the department was coordinating with the Department of Homeland Security.

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“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.

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The department did not disclose the number of visas expected to be revoked.

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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.

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According to the report, the State Department would revoke B1 and B2 visas held by individuals who have sought or are currently seeking asylum.

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B1 and B2 visas are non-immigrant visas issued primarily for business and tourism travel.

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The proposed revocations would not necessarily result in immediate deportation, the AP reported, adding that most people with pending asylum cases would be re-categorised but would lose their status as business or tourism visitors.

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Earlier on Monday, US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau alleged on X that the American immigration system “has long been swamped by frivolous asylum claims.”

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The State Department said earlier this month that the Trump administration had revoked more than 175,000 visas belonging to foreign nationals.

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Trump has intensified immigration enforcement since returning to office, including visa and green card revocations as well as an aggressive deportation drive.

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The administration has said the measures are aimed at strengthening domestic security and enforcing US immigration laws.

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Rights groups, however, have criticised the crackdown, alleging that it has undermined free speech and due process rights and created an unsafe environment, particularly for ethnic minorities who have raised concerns about racial profiling.

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Although Trump campaigned in 2024 on a platform of curbing illegal immigration, his administration has also introduced measures affecting legal immigration, including new and costly fees for applicants for certain work visas.

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The administration’s immigration policies have reportedly faced a series of legal challenges.

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