The Trump administration announced on Monday its intention to revoke the business and tourism visas of 200,000 foreigners who have applied for or are currently seeking asylum in the United States. If implemented, this would represent the largest single mass revocation of visas in US history, a move that has significant implications for travelers worldwide, including many from Europe.
State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott confirmed the coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, stating: “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.” He declined to specify the exact number, noting that “the number of revocations remains dynamic and will be done on a rolling basis.”
According to documents obtained by the Associated Press and two US officials speaking on condition of anonymity, the State Department is expected to announce the revocation of B1 and B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026 for individuals who have sought or are currently seeking asylum. B1 visas are typically issued for business trips, while B2 visas cover tourism, family visits, and medical care. Current applicants for both categories are now required to confirm they are not seeking asylum and provide proof of intent to return to their home countries.
The revocation will not immediately lead to deportation, officials clarified, but those with pending asylum cases will lose their status as business or tourism travelers. This means they would be left in a legal limbo, unable to work or travel freely, and potentially subject to detention.
Broader immigration crackdown
This action is the latest in a broader immigration crackdown that has intensified since President Donald Trump returned to office for his second term. The administration has already tightened restrictions on visa applicants, including requiring social media histories, imposing expensive bonds before visa processing, and implementing complete visa bans on citizens of certain countries. These measures have raised concerns among European governments and business communities, who fear that legitimate travelers may be caught in the net.
The move also comes amid a series of controversial policies that have tested transatlantic relations. For instance, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has admitted that managing ties with Trump is tougher than expected, reflecting broader European unease. Additionally, the administration's trade policies, such as delayed tariffs on Canadian goods, have created uncertainty in global markets.
Legal challenges have already emerged. On Friday, US District Judge Jeannette Vargas, appointed by former President Joe Biden, struck down a Trump administration policy that had suspended immigrant visa issuance from 75 countries. Judge Vargas ruled that the policy was “contrary to law and in excess of statutory authority,” arguing that it undermines Congress's requirement that consular officers are at the forefront of making visa decisions. This ruling may set a precedent for challenges to the new revocation plan.
For Europeans, the implications are twofold. First, any European who has overstayed a visa and applied for asylum could lose their current visa status, complicating their legal situation. Second, the broader tightening of US visa policies may deter legitimate business and leisure travel, affecting tourism and trade. European Union officials have expressed concern, and some have called for a coordinated response to protect the rights of their citizens.
The administration's actions have also drawn criticism from human rights groups, who argue that asylum seekers are being unfairly targeted. “This is a blatant attempt to deter people from exercising their legal right to seek asylum,” said a spokesperson for the European Council on Refugees and Exiles. “It will only increase the vulnerability of those fleeing persecution.”
As the situation develops, European governments are monitoring closely. The revocation plan is expected to be implemented in the coming weeks, but legal challenges and diplomatic pressure may alter its course. For now, the message from Washington is clear: the era of easy visa access for those with pending asylum claims is over.
