State Department to Cancel Nonimmigrant Visas for Up to 200,000 Asylum Applicants

The Trump administration is set to revoke the nonimmigrant visas of foreign nationals who entered the United States on temporary visitor status but subsequently applied for asylum in an effort to remain in the country.

The State Department has initiated a review of these visas, with cancellations slated to roll out in phases. The initiative could impact up to 200,000 current visa holders and asylum seekers.

A visa is a privilege, not a right, under President Trump and Secretary Rubio’s leadership, said Tommy Pigott, a State Department spokesperson.

He added that the agency is coordinating with the Department of Homeland Security to identify and revoke the nonimmigrant visas of individuals who entered the United States as short‑term visitors but subsequently filed for asylum to remain permanently.

These visas are issued on the understanding that holders intend to return home, Mr. Pigott noted.

Preventing most foreign nationals from remaining in or immigrating to the United States is a stated objective of President Trump and his supporters.

The Department of Homeland Security has paused the processing of asylum applications, although a federal judge has ruled that the administration must continue reviewing them.

The individuals targeted by the State Department entered the United States on B‑1 or B‑2 visitor visas, which are intended for short‑term stays for tourism, business, or work.

The Associated Press reported earlier on the new effort to revoke a large number of visas.

The revocation process will be ongoing, with the number of cancellations remaining fluid and proceeding on a rolling basis, Mr. Pigott said.

A federal judge in New York on Friday blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to suspend visa issuance for applicants from 75 countries, many in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Judge Jeannette A. Vargas concluded that Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s rationale—that citizens from those nations might rely on assistance in the United States—lacked legal foundation.

The ruling did not address the department’s new public charge requirement for immigrant visas.

The threat to revoke visas for asylum seekers is the most recent in a series of changes to the government’s visa policies.

In a separate move, the State Department has instructed embassies and consulates to postpone all visa interviews until consular officers complete training on a more restrictive policy, with sessions expected at most posts this week.

The training covers the department’s public charge rule, which requires consular officers to deny immigrant visas to applicants who might become primarily dependent on public assistance while in the United States.

Commenting on the worldwide pause of visa interviews, a State Department official stated that in early August a global training initiative was launched at all embassies and consulates, and that appointments for visa services would be adjusted to accommodate the in‑depth training.

The department has not indicated when applicants will be notified of rescheduled interview times, and the move is expected to create uncertainty among immigrant visa applicants.

Zolan Kanno-Youngs contributed reporting.

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