POLISCOPE
Back to feed
NewsKPBS Public MediaAugust 25, 2026San Diego

Trump administration plans mass revocation of B1 and B2 visas for asylum seekers

The Trump administration is preparing to revoke business and tourism visas for up to 200,000 foreign nationals who have applied for or are currently seeking asylum in the United States. This action, coordinated between the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security, targets individuals who entered the country on short-term visas and subsequently filed for permanent asylum status.

immigrationvisasasylumforeign policydepartment of state
Read the full story at KPBS Public Media

Why It Matters

Up to 200,000 individuals currently in the U.S. or holding valid visas face the loss of their nonimmigrant travel status, which may impact their ability to travel internationally and change their legal standing while asylum claims are pending.

Key Facts

  • The administration plans to revoke B1 and B2 visas for up to 200,000 individuals who have sought or are seeking asylum.
  • The policy targets visas issued between 2016 and 2026.
  • Revocations will be conducted on a rolling basis rather than all at once.
  • The action is a joint effort between the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security.
  • Revocation of a visa does not equate to immediate deportation, but changes the individual's legal status.
  • The State Department previously revoked 175,000 visas in the last 18 months for various reasons, including criminal convictions.
  • Current visa applicants are now required to affirm they will not apply for asylum and must prove intent to return to their home countries.
  • The administration is also targeting 'birth tourism' as part of broader immigration restrictions.

Who's Mentioned

personChristopher Landau“Deputy Secretary of State”organizationDepartment of State“Leading the visa revocation process”organizationU.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services“Providing asylum request data to the State Department”organizationDepartment of Homeland Security“Coordinating with the State Department”personDonald Trump“President of the United States”personTommy Pigott“State Department spokesman”