US B1/B2 Visa Holders With Asylum Claims Could Face Visa Revocation: What to Know

The US State Department is reportedly preparing a coordinated action with the Department of Homeland Security that could revoke B1/B2 business and tourist visas issued between 2016 and 2026 to up to 200,000 people who have applied for or are currently seeking asylum.

The reported action targets people who entered the US on visitor visas and later filed asylum claims. It does not concern ordinary tourists or business travellers who have no asylum case.

Visa revocation would remove the visitor visa but would not automatically mean deportation. Pending asylum cases would continue separately, according to the information provided.

Separately, current B1/B2 applicants are being asked to affirm that they will not apply for asylum and demonstrate their intention to return home.