US Plans to Revoke Up to 200,000 Visas in Major Immigration Shift
The United States government is preparing a significant change to its immigration rules. It plans to cancel non-immigrant visas for many foreigners. These individuals arrived in the US as short-term visitors but later asked for asylum. This is the latest step in a broad immigration crackdown by the Trump administration.
The State Department and Department of Homeland Security are working together. They aim to identify and revoke visas for those who claimed to be temporary visitors. These people then filed for asylum to stay permanently in the United States.
While the government has not shared an exact number, news reports indicate a large scale. Up to 200,000 business and tourism visas, known as B1 and B2 visas, could be affected. These visas were issued between 2016 and 2026. If this plan goes forward, it would be the largest single mass revocation of visas in US history.
Revoking a visa does not mean immediate deportation for everyone. However, affected individuals would lose their status as business or tourism travelers. Many asylum cases are still waiting for a decision from the US government.
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau recently shared his view on X, a social media platform. He stated that the American immigration system has been overwhelmed by what he called “frivolous asylum claims.” The Trump administration has already revoked more than 175,000 visas of foreign nationals earlier this month.
President Donald Trump has pursued a strong immigration policy since taking office. He has canceled visas and green cards. He has also pushed for more deportations. He says these actions are necessary to improve the nation’s security. During his 2024 election campaign, Trump promised to stop illegal immigration. His administration has also made legal immigration more difficult for some. For example, it added new, expensive fees for certain work visas.
Human rights groups have strongly criticized the crackdown. They say it violates free speech and fair legal process rights. They also state it has created an unsafe environment, especially for ethnic minorities. These groups have raised concerns about racial profiling. The government’s immigration changes are currently facing legal challenges in US courts.
