The Trump administration is set to revoke visas for up to 200,000 foreigners applying for asylum in the U.S. This action could be the largest mass visa revocation in U.S. history, likely inviting legal challenges.

The State Department plans to announce the revocation of B1 and B2 visas, issued between 2016 and 2026, for asylum seekers. This move is coordinated with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

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, said State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott.

He declined to specify how many visas might be revoked, indicating that the process is ongoing and the number remains dynamic.

Officials emphasized that losing visa status doesn’t imply immediate deportation. Most asylum seekers will be recategorized and stripped of their business or tourism status.

Since President Trump’s second term began, visa restrictions have increased. Requirements now include social media history disclosures and expensive bond postings. Some countries face outright bans on visa issuance.

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau criticized applicants using tourist and business visas to enter the U.S. and later claim asylum. People in the US and all over the world are fed up with bogus asylum claims, Landau wrote in a social media post. He mentioned a Colombian citizen who entered on a tourist visa in 2015 and sought asylum.

B1 visas are for business trips, while B2 visas cover tourism, family visits, or medical care. Current applicants affirm they won’t seek asylum and must prove intent to return home.

In the last 18 months, 175,000 visas were revoked for those convicted or accused of crimes, or public criticism of U.S. policies, mostly in the Middle East.

The administration has also targeted birth tourism, alleging it’s used for obtaining birthright citizenship. Attempts to end birthright citizenship have failed in courts, including the Supreme Court.

Screening of B1 and B2 visa holders commenced after the State Department received asylum request data from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.