US Prepares to Cancel Nearly 200,000 Foreign B-1 and B-2 Visas, Largest Number in History
News Summary
Prepared after editorial review.
- The U.S. government is preparing to cancel nearly 200,000 B-1 and B-2 business and tourist visas.
- This measure targets visa holders who obtained visas between 2016 and 2026 and have applied for or are applying for asylum in the U.S.
- The U.S. State Department has already revoked approximately 175,000 visas over the past 18 months.
September 25, Kathmandu – The U.S. government is preparing to cancel the business and tourist visas of nearly 200,000 foreign nationals. If implemented, this would constitute the largest single visa cancellation in U.S. history.
The U.S. State Department could announce the cancellation of B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourist) visas in the coming weeks. Visa holders who were issued these visas between 2016 and 2026 and have applied or are applying for asylum in the United States will be the primary targets of this action.
According to State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott, these individuals initially entered the U.S. on tourist or business visas but later applied for permanent residency through asylum.
Visa cancellation does not mean immediate deportation
The State Department has declined to provide a precise number of visa cancellations expected. Officials note that the process will be carried out in phases and that figures may change.
Visa cancellation does not automatically mean immediate deportation. Since their asylum claims are pending, their immigration status may be subject to change; however, their rights to business or tourist travel will be revoked.
Stricter visa policies under Trump’s second term
During President Donald Trump’s second term, visa processes were tightened by requiring social media information from applicants, imposing expensive visa bonds, and halting visa issuance to citizens of certain countries.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Laño stated, “Some individuals enter the U.S. on tourist or business visas and then apply for permanent residency through asylum.”
He added, “Asylum should not be exploited as a loophole to circumvent immigration laws.”
Approximately 175,000 visas canceled over last 18 months
Typically, B-1 visas are issued for business travel while B-2 visas are for family visits, tourism, or medical treatment.
It remains unclear how many of these visa holders have filed for asylum and how many will be affected by the proposed action.
In the past 18 months, the U.S. State Department has canceled about 175,000 visas. This number includes individuals who have committed crimes or openly opposed American policies.
(With agencies’ cooperation)
