US set for largest mass visa revocation in history, here’s what officials say on the visas likely to be hit

Federal authorities under the Trump administration are reportedly organising an immigration enforcement action to cancel the business and travel visas of up to 2,00,000 foreign nationals who have applied for or are actively pursuing asylum within the US. If executed, the initiative would represent the single largest mass cancellation of visas in American history and is said to face significant legal opposition in court.Barring revisions or judicial intervention, the US Department of State plans to reveal the cancellation policy in the coming weeks alongside the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), The Associated Press cited internal agency records and confirmation by two American officials.

‘B1/B2 visas to be impacted’

The report says that the measure focuses on B1 (business) and B2 (tourism, family visits, or medical treatment) visas granted between 2016 and 2026 to individuals who subsequently requested asylum. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott confirmed to AP that federal agencies are coordinating to identify nonimmigrant visitors who entered as temporary travelers before seeking permanent asylum status, noting that cancellations will occur continuously on a rolling schedule.US officials speaking on background noted that having a visitor visa cancelled does not immediately trigger rapid deportation; instead, individuals with open asylum petitions will see their legal classification adjusted while permanently losing their temporary business or leisure status, the report noted.

Strict entry rules and increased vetting

The planned revocations follow a string of tighter immigration controls introduced since President Donald Trump began his second term last year, including mandatory disclosures of social media activity, hefty financial bond requirements, and outright travel restrictions targeting nationals from designated countries.Addressing the issue on X on Monday, deputy secretary of state Christopher Landau argued that public sentiment globally and domestically rejects abusive asylum maneuvers, describing the system as an exploited shortcut around regular immigration pathways.Currently, prospective B1 and B2 applicants must explicitly declare they will not file for asylum once inside the country while providing verified documentation demonstrating their intent to return home.