Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Aug 25: The United States is preparing to cancel the business and tourism visas of up to 200,000 foreigners who have applied for or are seeking asylum in the country, according to the Associated Press.

Citing State Department documents and interviews with two US officials, AP reported that if implemented, the move would represent the largest single mass revocation of visas in US history.

The State Department is expected to announce the action in the coming weeks in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The proposed measure would target holders of B1 and B2 business and tourism visas issued between 2016 and 2026 who have applied for or are currently seeking asylum in the US.

“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.

However, officials said the visa cancellations would not automatically lead to deportation. Most people with pending asylum applications would instead be shifted into another immigration category, effectively ending their status as business or tourist visa holders while their asylum cases continue.

US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau criticised people who enter the country on business or tourist visas and subsequently seek asylum.

“People in the US and all over the world are fed up with bogus asylum claims,” Landau said in a post on X, arguing that asylum should not be used to bypass immigration laws.

The proposed action comes as President Donald Trump’s administration continues to tighten immigration and visa policies during his second term.

Over the past year, the administration has increased scrutiny of visa applicants, including seeking greater access to applicants’ social media histories, introducing costly visa bonds and restricting visa issuance to citizens of certain countries.

The State Department has also revoked about 175,000 visas over the past 18 months, according to AP. Those affected included people convicted or accused of offences ranging from drunk driving to rape and robbery, as well as individuals who publicly criticised US policies, particularly those relating to the Middle East.

The latest proposal is expected to face scrutiny from immigration advocates and legal groups, particularly over its potential impact on people with pending asylum claims and the administration’s authority to revoke previously issued visas.