Chicago – August 24, 2026
The Trump administration is preparing to revoke the business and tourism visas of up to 200,000 foreigners who have applied for or are currently seeking asylum in the United States, officials said Monday.
If implemented, the measure would represent the largest single mass visa revocation in US history and is expected to face legal challenges. The State Department is reportedly considering the cancellation of B1 and B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026 to individuals who later sought asylum.
The move is being coordinated with the Department of Homeland Security. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said authorities were identifying people who entered the country as short-term visitors but subsequently filed asylum claims to remain permanently. He said the number of affected individuals remains fluid and that revocations would occur on a rolling basis.
Officials said the action would not automatically lead to immediate deportation. People with pending asylum applications could retain access to the asylum process but lose their classification as business or tourism visitors.
The planned measure follows a broader crackdown. The State Department said it has already revoked more than 175,000 visas under President Donald Trump, citing criminal activity, fraud, visa violations, violence-related conduct and national security concerns.
