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NewsKPBS Public MediaAugust 25, 2026San Diego

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

The State Department 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 with the Department of Homeland Security, targets individuals who entered the country on short-term visas and subsequently filed for permanent asylum status.

immigrationvisasasylumdepartment of statedepartment of homeland security
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Why It Matters

Up to 200,000 individuals currently in the U.S. or holding valid visas may lose their legal status as business or tourism travelers, potentially impacting their ability to remain in the country while their claims are processed.

Key Facts

  • The administration plans to revoke B1 (business) and B2 (tourism) visas for up to 200,000 individuals.
  • The policy targets individuals who entered the U.S. on these visas and subsequently applied for asylum.
  • The action is being coordinated between the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security.
  • Revocations will occur on a rolling basis rather than all at once.
  • Revocation of a visa does not equate to immediate deportation, but changes the individual's legal status.
  • The State Department is using data from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to identify affected visa holders.
  • Current B1/B2 applicants are now required to affirm they will not apply for asylum.
  • The State Department previously revoked 175,000 visas in the last 18 months for various criminal or political reasons.
  • The administration has also implemented stricter social media screening and bond requirements for visa applicants.

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”organizationDepartment of Homeland Security“Coordinating with the State Department”personDonald Trump“President of the United States”personTommy Pigott“State Department spokesman”