Politics

US prepares to revoke visitor visas for up to 200,000 asylum seekers

The State Department and DHS plan to cancel B1 and B2 nonimmigrant visas issued to foreigners who later applied for asylum.

Updated Aug 24, 2026 · 21:19 UTC3 reports

The short version

The Trump administration is preparing a plan to revoke business (B1) and tourist (B2) visas issued between 2016 and 2026 for up to 200,000 individuals who have sought or are currently seeking asylum.
The planned measure would reclassify affected foreign nationals and end their nonimmigrant traveler status, but officials noted it will not lead to immediate deportation.
State Department and Department of Homeland Security officials expect to roll out the revocations in the coming weeks, which would mark the largest mass visa cancellation in U.S. history and is anticipated to encounter court challenges.

Internal State Department documents and U.S. officials indicate the administration is planning to revoke B1 and B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026 to individuals who filed asylum claims.[ABC News · Associated Press · PBS NewsHour]
State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott confirmed joint efforts with DHS to identify and cancel nonimmigrant visas for short-term visitors who subsequently applied for permanent asylum.[ABC News · Associated Press · PBS NewsHour]
Anonymous U.S. officials stated that losing nonimmigrant tourist or business status will not automatically result in immediate deportation for people with open asylum cases.[ABC News · Associated Press · PBS NewsHour]
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau stated on social media that asylum should not serve as a mechanism to bypass standard immigration laws.[ABC News · Associated Press · PBS NewsHour]
Over the previous 18 months, the State Department revoked roughly 175,000 visas tied to criminal allegations, convictions, or public opposition to U.S. foreign policy.[ABC News · Associated Press · PBS NewsHour]

The precise number of visa holders who will ultimately be affected remains uncertain because revocations will take place on a rolling basis.[ABC News · Associated Press · PBS NewsHour]
The policy is expected to face legal challenges that could alter or halt its implementation before or after an official announcement.[ABC News · Associated Press · PBS NewsHour]