WASHINGTON, August 25, 2026 — The Trump administration is preparing a major expansion of its immigration enforcement efforts that could result in the revocation of business and tourism visas held by as many as 200,000 foreign nationals who have sought asylum in the United States.

The reported plan targets holders of B1 and B2 nonimmigrant visas who entered the country as temporary visitors and subsequently filed, or are currently filing, asylum applications. The Associated Press, citing U.S. government documents and officials, reported that the potential action could become the largest single mass visa-revocation operation in American history.

B1 and B2 Visas in Focus

B1 visas generally cover temporary business travel, while B2 visas are primarily used for tourism, family visits and certain medical purposes. The proposed review would reportedly cover qualifying visas issued between 2016 and 2026.

The State Department has said it is working with the Department of Homeland Security to identify foreign nationals who entered the United States as short-term visitors but later sought asylum. However, officials have stressed that the final number of revocations remains uncertain and could change as the review proceeds.

Visa Cancellation Would Not Automatically Mean Deportation

The planned revocations would not necessarily result in immediate deportation for everyone affected. People with pending asylum cases could have their immigration categorization changed while losing their B1 or B2 visitor status.

That distinction is important because visa revocation and deportation are separate immigration actions. The precise consequences for individual applicants would depend on their immigration circumstances and the status of their asylum proceedings.

Administration Says Asylum System Is Being Misused

Trump administration officials have argued that some foreign nationals misuse temporary visitor visas by entering the United States and subsequently filing asylum claims in an attempt to remain in the country.

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau has publicly criticized what the administration describes as unfounded asylum applications. The administration says its broader immigration strategy is intended to strengthen enforcement and prevent people from using temporary immigration pathways for permanent residence.

Part of a Wider Immigration Crackdown

The proposed visa action comes amid a broader tightening of U.S. immigration policy under Trump’s second administration. The government has increased scrutiny of visa applicants, expanded screening measures and taken other steps aimed at reducing immigration and strengthening enforcement.

The State Department has also said that more than 175,000 visas have been revoked during the administration’s current term for reasons including criminal conduct and other alleged violations.

Possible Legal Challenges

Because the proposed action could affect a very large number of foreign nationals, legal challenges are expected if the government moves forward. The reported plan is not yet a completed mass revocation, and the final scope and implementation could change before the process is concluded.

If carried out at the reported scale, the initiative would represent a significant new step in the administration’s campaign to tighten U.S. immigration enforcement and could have consequences for thousands of people whose asylum cases are already moving through the immigration system.

The situation remains developing, with the State Department expected to provide further details as the review and revocation process advances.