US to revoke visas of short-term visitors seeking asylum

August 25, 2026

The Trump administration has announced it will revoke visas for foreign nationals who entered the United States on short-term visitor permits but subsequently filed asylum applications. Officials characterize this practice as fraudulent, since applicants for B1 and B2 business and tourism visas must pledge not to seek asylum once in the country. The revocations will target visa holders from 2016 to 2026 who have applied or are applying for asylum, potentially affecting hundreds of thousands of people, primarily from Brazil, China, India, and Pakistan.

Who is affected

Foreign nationals holding B1 and B2 short-term visitor visas issued between 2016 and 2026 who have sought or are seeking asylum
Citizens from Brazil, mainland China, India, and Pakistan (countries that received the majority of business and tourism visas in 2024)
Potentially hundreds of thousands of visa holders overall
Great Britain and Northern Ireland citizens who received approximately 32,300 visas in 2024

What action is being taken

The State Department is revoking visas on a rolling basis
The State Department is coordinating with the Department of Homeland Security to identify and revoke nonimmigrant visas
Embassies and consulates are rescheduling visa interviews so consular officers can complete training on more restrictive policies

Why it matters

This policy represents a significant tightening of immigration enforcement that could affect hundreds of thousands of people who sought protection through asylum after entering on visitor visas. The administration is attempting to close what it views as a loophole in the immigration system, making clear that visas are privileges with strict conditions. The revocations could impact legitimate asylum seekers who may have feared persecution in their home countries and had limited options for entering the US to seek protection.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC