US: Trump administration plans to revoke up to 200,000 visas from asylum seekers

United States President Donald Trump's administration is preparing to revoke the business and tourism visas of foreigners who applied for or are currently seeking asylum in the country, the State Department said in a statement on Monday.

It didn't say how many visas would be affected, but the Associated Press put the number at up to 200,000, citing State Department documents ‌and ​two US officials. If carried out, it would be the largest single mass revocation of visas in US history.

The State Department is expected to announce the revocations in the coming weeks, targeting so-called B1 and B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026 to holders who have sought or are now seeking asylum. These visas are generally issued for business travel, tourism, family visits or medical care.

"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, referring to the Department of Homeland Security.

He declined to give a specific number, saying the count "remains dynamic and will be done on a rolling basis."

Officials said the revocations would not necessarily lead to immediate deportation. Most people with pending asylum cases would instead be recategorized, losing their status as business or tourism travelers, according to officials who spoke to AP on condition of anonymity.

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Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau criticized the use of tourist and business visas as a path to asylum claims.