Trump admin plans to revoke 200,000 visas of asylum seekers

The Trump administration is preparing to revoke the visas of up to 200,000 immigrants who entered the United States on temporary business or tourism visas and later applied for asylum, according to State Department documents and officials. The plan, which would target holders of B1 and B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026, is expected to be announced in the coming weeks and would represent the largest single mass visa revocation in U.S. history.

State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott confirmed that the department is coordinating with the Department of Homeland Security to identify and revoke nonimmigrant visas of foreigners who entered as short-term visitors but filed for asylum to remain permanently. "Under President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio's leadership, we are making clear that a visa is a privilege not a right," Pigott said in a statement. He added that obtaining a visa to seek asylum is considered fraud, which is grounds for revocation.

The B1 and B2 visas are among the most commonly issued U.S. travel documents. B1 visas are for short-term business activities, while B2 visas cover tourism, family visits, and medical treatment. These nonimmigrant visas...