Trump administration plans to strip visitor visas from asylum seekers

The Trump administration is preparing a policy to withdraw visitor visas from as many as 200,000 foreign nationals who later seek asylum in the United States. Under the plan, holders of B-1 business or B-2 tourist visas who file asylum applications would have their visas revoked, preventing further entry on a temporary basis. The administration argues the step safeguards the visa system and honors those who follow the legal immigration process.

It emphasizes that revocation does not terminate an existing asylum claim nor trigger immediate removal. Opponents warn that the measure could penalize genuine refugees whose circumstances change after arrival. The proposal calls for individual notice and an opportunity to explain any new threats before a visa is cancelled.