U.S. Plans Massive Visa Revocation for Up to 200,000 People

NEW YORK- The U.S. government says it is preparing for what could become the largest mass visa cancellation in American history. Officials report that up to 200,000 people with B‑1 business visas and B‑2 tourist visas may lose their visas because they later applied for asylum after entering the country.

The plan is part of a wider immigration crackdown under President Donald Trump’s administration. According to officials, many people entered the U.S. for short visits but then filed asylum claims, which the government says is misuse of the visa system.

Who will be affected

• People who entered the U.S. with B‑1/B‑2 visas between 2016 and 2026
• Anyone who later filed an asylum application
• People with pending asylum cases may also be included

Losing a visa does not mean immediate deportation. Their asylum cases will continue, but they will no longer have business or tourist status.

Why the government is doing this

Officials say the goal is to stop people from using short‑term visas as a way to stay in the U.S. long‑term. Some leaders have claimed that many asylum claims are not genuine, though immigrant‑rights groups strongly disagree.

What happens next

The revocations will happen gradually, not all at once. The final number may change. Lawyers expect major legal challenges, and immigrant‑rights groups say the move could harm people fleeing danger.

What this means

This decision could affect thousands of families and create long periods of uncertainty for people waiting for asylum decisions. It marks a major shift in how the U.S. handles visas and asylum cases.