Matthew Lee

The Trump administration is preparing to revoke the B1 and B2 business and tourism visas of as many as 200,000 foreigners who have sought or are seeking asylum in the United States. The State Department, working with the Department of Homeland Security, is expected to announce the measure in the coming weeks, though the final number remains fluid and the policy could face legal challenges. Revocation would not automatically lead to immediate deportation, but affected asylum applicants could lose their status as ordinary business or tourism travelers. The initiative is part of a broader tightening of U.S. visa and immigration policy, including increased scrutiny of applicants' backgrounds and social-media activity. Recent visa cancellations have also targeted people accused of crimes or public criticism of U.S. policies.