Up to 200,000 asylum seekers face possible US visa revocation

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
August 26, 2026

Photo Courtesy: Getty Images

The United States is preparing to revoke the business and tourism visas of as many as 200,000 foreign nationals who entered the country legally but later applied for or are seeking asylum.

The move would affect holders of B1 and B2 visas, which are issued for business and tourism purposes, and could become one of the largest mass visa revocation efforts in US history.

The planned action is part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to tighten immigration controls and crack down on what officials describe as misuse of the asylum system.

The visa revocations would not automatically mean immediate deportation, but affected individuals could lose their nonimmigrant status and face further immigration proceedings.

The administration has also increased scrutiny of visa holders and applicants as it implements stricter immigration enforcement measures.

The plan could face legal challenges from immigration and rights groups over how the government intends to carry out the mass revocations.