US plans mass visa cancellations for asylum seekers in unprecedented crackdown

The Trump administration announced Monday that it will revoke non-immigrant visas for foreigners who have applied for or are seeking asylum in the United States. The move could affect up to 200,000 people, potentially marking the largest single mass visa revocation in US history. Officials said those affected may not face immediate deportation but will lose their business or tourism visitor status.

The State Department is coordinating with Homeland Security to target B1 and B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026, specifically for holders who have filed or are currently pursuing asylum. Officials say the revocations would reclassify these individuals, stripping their business or tourism status while leaving pending asylum cases intact. The administration has already revoked over 175,000 visas this term, and this new action builds on that broader enforcement push, which also includes stricter fees for work visas and legal challenges from rights groups.

The move follows a pattern of tightening both illegal and legal immigration pathways. Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau has publicly characterized many asylum claims as frivolous, framing the policy as a response to system abuse. However, critics argue the measures risk racial profiling and undermine due process, particularly for ethnic minorities. The exact number affected remains unconfirmed, but the AP’s estimate of 200,000 would mark an unprecedented single action.