The United States government is planning to revoke up to 200,000 visas, marking the largest visa revocation in U.S. history. This plan, revealed by two U.S. officials to the Associated Press, targets holders of B1 and B2 visas who subsequently applied for asylum. Since President Donald Trump took office in January 2025, approximately 175,000 visas have already been revoked due to criminal activity, meaning this new action could double the total number of revoked visas.
The administration's concern is that many B1 and B2 visa holders enter the U.S. as temporary visitors and then file for asylum to remain in the country. State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott confirmed the plans, stating, "We are coordinating with DHS to identify and revoke the nonimmigrant visas of foreigners who have come to the United States claiming to be short-term visitors, but then file for asylum to stay here permanently."
The operation will involve collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security to match visa records with asylum applications to identify claims deemed fraudulent. While the visa revocation will not lead to immediate deportation or invalidate pending asylum claims, it is expected to encourage individuals to leave the U.S.
This initiative is likely to face significant legal challenges from activist groups. Additionally, the Trump administration is also proposing a new fee of $103,265 for employers hiring skilled foreign workers through the H-1B visa program, with funds intended to support the immigration system and contribute to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.