US could revoke up to 200,000 visas under Trump asylum crackdown

US President Donald Trump's administration plans to revoke non-immigrant visas held by foreigners who have applied for or are seeking asylum in the United States, potentially affecting up to 200,000 people.

A US State Department spokesperson said it was working with the Department of Homeland Security “to identify and revoke the non-immigrant 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”.

The State Department did not confirm how many people would be affected.

However, the Associated Press reported that up to 200,000 business and tourism visas could be revoked, citing State Department documents and two US officials.

If carried out, it would be the largest single mass visa revocation in US history, according to the AP.

The measure reportedly targets B1 and B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026 to people who later sought asylum.

Revocation would not necessarily lead to immediate deportation. The AP reported that people with pending asylum cases could be reclassified while losing their status as business or tourism travellers.

The move is the latest expansion of President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown. The State Department said earlier this month that more than 175,000 visas have already been revoked under his administration.