US plans to revoke visas of 200,000 asylum seekers
An Essex County police officer walks past a tent used as a staging area for asylum-seeker protesters outside Delaney Hall in Newark, New Jersey, USA. Photo: Reuters.
The administration of President Donald Trump is preparing to revoke business and tourist visas for up to 200,000 foreigners who have applied or are applying for asylum in the United States.
The Associated Press reported yesterday (Monday), citing State Department documents and two US officials, that if implemented, this would be the largest single revocation of visas in US history.
The State Department could make an announcement on this matter within the next few weeks. They are working in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on this effort.
The revocations would target B-1 (business visas) and B-2 (tourist visas) issued between 2016 and 2026. Visas held by individuals who have filed or are currently filing asylum applications will be cancelled.
State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said, "We are working in coordination with DHS to identify and revoke the visas of those who entered the United States as short-term visitors and later filed for asylum to remain permanently."
However, visa revocation will not automatically result in deportation from the United States. Officials noted that most individuals with pending asylum applications will be placed into another immigration category, which would not grant them business or tourist visa status.
In a social media post on Monday, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau criticized those who use business and tourist visas to enter the US and subsequently apply for asylum.
Landau wrote, "The American people and people around the world are frustrated with fraudulent asylum claims. The asylum system should not be used as a loophole to circumvent immigration laws."
Since President Trump took office for his second term last year, his administration has imposed a series of stringent restrictions on visa applications. Applicants are now being required to provide more information about their social media history.
Costly bond requirements for the visa process have also been introduced, and visas for citizens of certain countries have been completely suspended.
Over the past 18 months, the Trump administration has revoked approximately 175,000 visas. This includes individuals convicted of or charged with crimes such as drunk driving, rape, and robbery.
Visas have also been revoked for some individuals who have spoken publicly against US policies, particularly those who have criticized US policy regarding the Middle East and Israel.
Source: Al Jazeera
