State Department Moves to Protect U.S. Borders: Up to 200,000 B1/B2 Visas Linked to Asylum Fraud to Be Revoked
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In a decisive step to defend national security and uphold immigration laws, the State Department will cancel business and tourism visas for up to 200,000 foreign nationals exploiting the asylum system, continuing the Trump administration’s tough stance.
The State Department is preparing to cancel up to 200,000 B1 (business) and B2 (tourism) visas issued from 2016 to 2026 for foreign nationals who have applied for asylum or are currently seeking asylum in the United States, according to internal documents obtained by the Associated Press and two officials. This unprecedented action, coordinated with the Department of Homeland Security, will mark the largest single mass visa cancellation in U.S. history and is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
"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," State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said. He emphasized that the number of revocations will be dynamic and carried out on a rolling basis, ensuring that those abusing the system are held accountable.
Officials clarified that the cancellations would not automatically lead to deportation; instead, most affected individuals would be re-classified and lose their business or tourism status while their asylum cases remain pending. This policy continues the Trump administration’s much-needed crackdown on visa abuse, which has included increased scrutiny of applicants, additional documentation requirements such as social-media histories, and bans on citizens of countries posing security risks.
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau posted on X that some people use tourist and business visas as a “loophole” to obtain asylum, referencing a 2015 case involving a Colombian citizen. The new policy ensures that current B1 and B2 applicants must affirm they will not seek asylum and demonstrate intent to return to their home countries, closing loopholes and protecting American interests.
The State Department has previously revoked about 175,000 visas over the past 18 months for individuals convicted of crimes or for those who publicly criticized U.S. policies. It has also targeted “birth tourism,” a practice used to exploit birthright citizenship for children of foreign nationals. These actions are necessary steps to restore integrity to the immigration system and put American citizens first.