On August 24, 2026, The Associated Press (AP) reported that the Trump administration is preparing to revoke the business and tourist visas of as many as 200,000 foreign nationals who have applied for, or are currently seeking, asylum in the United States. If implemented, the action could become the largest mass visa revocation effort in U.S. history.
According to AP, the State Department is expected to announce in the coming weeks the revocation of certain B-1 (business visitor) and B-2 (tourist visitor) visas issued between 2016 and 2026 whose holders subsequently sought asylum protection in the United States. The initiative would be carried out in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott reportedly stated:
“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.”
Pigott did not confirm how many individuals may ultimately be affected, noting that visa revocations would occur on a rolling basis and that totals remain subject to change.
At the time of this post, the State Department has not formally announced the policy, and implementation details, exemptions, and legal considerations have not been publicly released.
According to AP, revocation of a visitor visa would not automatically result in immediate removal from the United States. Individuals with pending asylum applications may continue to pursue those cases through the appropriate immigration processes, though they could lose their classification as temporary business or tourist visitors.
Background
The reported measure comes amid broader efforts by the Trump administration to tighten immigration and visa policies during the President’s second term. Over the past year, the administration has expanded visa screening requirements, increased scrutiny of applicants’ social media activity, imposed additional visa-related restrictions, and implemented country-specific travel and visa limitations.
AP also reports that Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau recently criticized the use of visitor visas by individuals who later seek asylum in the United States, arguing that asylum should not serve as a mechanism to bypass traditional immigration pathways.
Currently, applicants for B-1 and B-2 visas are generally required to demonstrate nonimmigrant intent and affirm that they plan to depart the United States following their temporary stay. The reported initiative appears aimed at individuals who entered using visitor visas and later sought asylum protection.
According to documents reviewed by AP, the State Department began screening current B-1 and B-2 visa holders after receiving information regarding asylum filings from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news becomes available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.