US Plans Largest-Ever Visa Revocation: Up to 200,000 B-1/B-2 Holders Targetted

WASHINGTON, August 25, 2026 — The Trump administration is preparing to revoke the business (B-1) and tourist (B-2) visas of up to 200,000 foreign nationals who have applied for or are seeking asylum in the United States — a move that would represent the largest single visa revocation action in American history.

The plan targets holders of B-1 and B-2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026 who later filed for asylum in the United States. Officials argue that many individuals abuse the visitor visa system by arriving as "short-term visitors" and then applying for asylum to remain permanently.

Published: August 25, 2026 | By VisasUpdate.com Editorial Team

Scale of US visa revocations: 175,000 already revoked, 200,000 more proposed

Key Details of the Visa Revocation Plan

Aspect	Details
Targeted Visas	B-1 (Business) and B-2 (Tourist)
Number Affected	Up to 200,000 individuals
Visa Issuance Period	2016 – 2026
Trigger	Filed for asylum after entering on B-1/B-2 visa
Scale	Largest single visa revocation in U.S. history
Status	Under consideration

Broader Context: 175,000 Visas Already Revoked

The proposed action follows an 18‑month period during which the State Department revoked over 175,000 visas for reasons including:

• Criminal activity

• Public criticism of U.S. policies

• Other national security-related grounds

What Visa Revocation Means

Impact	Details
Loss of Visitor Status	Affected individuals would lose B-1/B-2 status
Not Automatic Deportation	Revocation does not mean automatic removal
Potential Consequences	Could include detention or deportation proceedings
Legal Options	May be able to challenge revocation or seek other relief

Administration's Rationale

Officials argue that the visitor visa system is being abused by individuals who arrive as "short-term visitors" and then file asylum claims to remain in the country permanently. The administration contends that:

• Many asylum applications filed by B-1/B-2 holders are frivolous

• The system is being used as a loophole for long-term stay

• Visitor visas are for temporary purposes only

What's Next?

Step	Details
Implementation	Plan being developed
Potential Challenges	Expected court challenges from civil liberties groups
Impact	Could affect individuals in asylum proceedings

Read Also

• USCIS Proposes $103,265 Fee for H-1B Cap-Subject Petitions – Comments Open August 25

• US State Department Makes B-1/B-2 Visa Bond Program Permanent – Bond Amounts Increased to $20,000

• USCIS Expands Public Charge Review: New Green Card Guidance Takes Effect September 18

For the latest U.S. immigration updates, visa policy changes, and 2026 developments worldwide, visit: visasupdate.com/blog/category/usa

VisasUpdate.com – The world's most trusted visa intelligence hub.Unlock 2026 immigration breakthroughs, digital nomad policies, and real-time fee alerts—all in one place.

Bookmark us now: visasupdate.com/news – Stay ahead.