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U.S. plans potential mass revocation of some B1 and B2 visas
The revocations would cover B1 and B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026 for people who sought asylum, with the process handled in coordination with DHS.
The Trump administration is preparing to revoke business and tourism visas for up to 200,000 foreigners who have applied for or are seeking asylum in the United States, a move that Associated Press says could become the largest single mass visa revocation in U.S. history.
According to State Department documents obtained by the outlet and two officials, the State Department would target so-called B1 and B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026 for holders who have sought asylum or are currently seeking it, in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security.
State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said the coordination is aimed at identifying nonimmigrant visas of people who entered claiming short term visitor status but then filed for asylum to stay permanently.
Officials also said the revocations would not necessarily lead to immediate deportation, and that many asylum cases pending would be recategorized but lose business or tourism traveler status, while the number of revocations could change as the rolling process continues.