The administration of US President Donald Trump is preparing a plan that could revoke the visas of up to 200,000 foreign nationals who entered the United States on business or tourist visas between 2016 and 2026 and later applied for asylum, according to US media reports and government documents.

If implemented, the measure would rank among the largest mass visa cancellation efforts in US history.

The proposal targets holders of B1 business visas and B2 tourist visas, which are issued for temporary visits such as business travel, tourism, family visits, or medical treatment.

Asylum applicants under increased scrutiny

US officials argue that B1 and B2 visas are intended for temporary stays and require applicants to demonstrate an intention to return to their home countries.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the department, in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is reviewing and revoking the nonimmigrant visas of individuals who entered the United States as short-term visitors but later sought asylum.

Officials have not confirmed how many visas will ultimately be revoked, saying the review remains ongoing and any cancellations would likely be carried out in phases.

Visa revocation does not automatically mean deportation

US authorities stressed that cancelling a visa does not automatically result in deportation.

Individuals with pending asylum claims would continue through the asylum adjudication process under US immigration law, although they could lose their original nonimmigrant visitor status.

Legal experts expect the policy, if implemented, to trigger court challenges over its impact on immigration status and due process protections.

Part of broader immigration crackdown

The proposal comes as the Trump administration continues to tighten immigration enforcement.

According to US officials, approximately 175,000 visas have been revoked over the past 18 months. The cancellations have reportedly affected individuals convicted of crimes or accused of criminal activity, as well as some whose activities were viewed by the administration as contrary to US foreign policy interests.

The administration has also expanded scrutiny of visa applicants through enhanced social media screening, higher financial guarantee requirements for certain applicants, and restrictions on visas for nationals of selected countries.

According to Axios, the US government launched a continuous review process last year covering more than 55 million visa holders to identify potential grounds for visa revocation or removal proceedings.

Rights groups raise concerns

Human rights organizations have criticized the proposed policy, arguing that broad visa reviews could undermine due process and freedom of expression.

Critics also warn that expanded screening measures may increase the risk of discriminatory enforcement and racial profiling against certain immigrant communities.

If approved in the coming weeks, the policy is expected to intensify debate over the legal distinction between temporary visitors and individuals who later seek asylum in the United States. (ILKHA)