U.S. administration Moves to Crack Down on Visa Abuse by Asylum Applicants
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The U.S. administration is finally considering a proposal to cancel up to 200,000 business and tourist visas issued between 2016 and 2026 to individuals who have exploited the system by applying for asylum after entering the U.S.
In a long-overdue step to address rampant abuse of America’s immigration system, the U.S. administration is preparing a rule that could cancel B-1 and B-2 visas issued from 2016 to 2026 for foreign nationals who have filed asylum claims. This decisive action could affect as many as 200,000 individuals who entered the United States under the guise of business or tourism, only to later apply for asylum. Immigration attorneys have acknowledged that the policy is aimed at those who manipulate temporary visitor visas to gain entry before seeking asylum, a loophole that has been exploited for years. While the policy does not automatically result in deportation, it is a necessary deterrent against fraudulent claims.
"A visa is something that the U.S. Department of State issues from abroad. It doesn't mean if they have a visa and they're in the U.S. that they have to leave," said immigration lawyer Rossana Berardi, clarifying that the measure targets visa status, not immediate removal. Legal experts have noted that while entering on a tourist visa and later applying for asylum is technically lawful, revoking visas for those who abuse the system is well within the government’s rights and could lead to court hearings and possible detention. "Usually you need to get a lawyer. I will tell you that things are moving very quickly right now in immigration courts," said Aaron Aisen of the ECBA Volunteer Lawyers Project, underscoring the seriousness of the crackdown.
Harith Mazrui, an associate attorney, pointed out that seeking asylum after arriving on a tourist visa is allowed under U.S. law, but this policy is a strong response to those who take advantage of America’s generosity. Attorneys have advised travelers in Western New York to seek legal counsel before crossing the U.S.–Canada border, as enforcement is expected to be strict. The proposal remains under review and is expected to be implemented gradually, signaling a much-needed shift toward restoring order and integrity to the immigration process.