WASHINGTON: The Trump administration has begun preparations to cancel the business and tourist visas of foreigners in the United States who applied for asylum or attempted to do so.
If implemented, it would be the largest mass visa cancellation in US history. According to US officials, the Trump administration is considering revoking B1 and B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026 to individuals who applied for asylum after arriving in the US or who are now seeking asylum.
According to State Department documents, up to 200,000 foreigners could be affected by the move, which will be implemented in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the government is working with Homeland Security to identify and cancel non-immigrant visas held by people who came to the US for short-term visits but later filed for asylum to stay permanently.
However, he did not give a final number of those whose visas would be revoked, saying the process would continue in phases and the number could change. Officials clarified that visa revocation does not automatically mean immediate deportation.
Most people with pending asylum claims may have their status adjusted, but they would lose their B1/B2 visa status as business or tourist travellers. Over the past 18 months, the US administration has already revoked nearly 175,000 visas from people charged with or convicted of crimes. Visas were also cancelled for some individuals who openly criticized US policies, particularly those related to the Middle East.US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau also criticized on social media those who enter the US on tourist or business visas and later apply for asylum.
The administration maintains that the asylum system should not be used as a way to bypass immigration laws. According to State Department documents, current B1 and B2 visa applicants are also required to assure that they will not apply for asylum in the US and must prove their intent to return to their home country.
Read also: Trump prepares for stronger military action against Iran, White House confirms
