Trump Administration Targets 200,000 Asylum Seekers in Visa Crackdown

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration is preparing what could be the largest mass visa revocation in US history, targeting up to 200,000 foreigners who have applied for asylum after entering the country on business or tourism visas.

The proposed measure would involve B1 and B2 visa holders whose visas were issued between 2016 and 2026.

According to documents obtained by AP, the State Department expects to work with the Department of Homeland Security to identify affected individuals.

The administration says the review is focused on people who entered the United States claiming they intended to make temporary visits but later filed asylum applications.

The State Department said the number of revocations remains uncertain and would be determined as individual cases are reviewed.

Losing a B1 or B2 visa would not necessarily result in immediate deportation, particularly for people with pending asylum cases.

The proposal nevertheless represents a significant escalation of the administration’s immigration enforcement campaign.

It follows other measures aimed at tightening visa screening and restricting pathways for foreigners seeking to enter or remain in the United States.

The plan is expected to face legal challenges if implemented on the scale currently being considered.