USA May Revoke Up to 200,000 B1/B2 Visas Over Asylum Claims
Los Angeles/Aug 24, 2026
NRIpress.club/Ramesh/ A.Gary Singh
The Trump administration is preparing to revoke the B1 business and B2 tourist visas of up to 200,000 foreign nationals who have applied for or are currently seeking asylum in the United States.
According to reports based on State Department documents and U.S. officials, the proposed action could affect B1/B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026. If implemented, it could become the largest single mass visa revocation in U.S. history.
The State Department is reportedly working with the Department of Homeland Security to identify people who entered the country as short-term visitors but later applied for asylum to remain in the United States. Officials say revoking a B1/B2 visa would not necessarily result in immediate deportation, as individuals with pending asylum cases may be placed under a different immigration status while their cases continue.
B-1 visa is a temporary nonimmigrant visa for foreign nationals traveling to the United States for short-term business activities, such as negotiating contracts, attending professional conferences, consulting with business associates, or settling an estate. It does not permit local employment or long-term work.
Allowed B-1 Activities
* Consulting with business partners or associates
* Attending scientific, educational, professional, or business conventions and conferences
* Negotiating and signing contracts
* Participating in short-term professional training
* Settling an estate or conducting independent research
A B-2 visa is a temporary nonimmigrant visa that allows foreign citizens to enter the United States for tourism, visiting family, or medical treatment.
Permitted Activities
* Vacation and holiday travel
* Visiting friends and relatives
* Seeking short-term medical treatment
Basic Requirements
* Proof of a temporary purpose for the visit
* Sufficient financial funds to cover all expenses
* Strong ties to your home country ensuring your return
Can a B-1 B2 visa get a green card?
Yes, a person in the U.S. on a B-1 or B-2 visitor visa can get a green card if their intent changes after arrival and they qualify through an eligible pathway like marriage to a U.S. citizen, immediate family sponsorship, or certain specialized employment categories. They do this by filing an adjustment of status
Effective August 3, 2026, the U.S. State Department finalized a rule making the B-1/B-2 Visa Bond Program permanent. Consular officers can now require certain temporary visitors from about 50 designated countries with high visa overstay rates to post a refundable cash bond of $10,000, $15,000, or $20,000 before their visitor visa is issued
You can stay in the U.S. for a maximum of 6 months per visit on a B-1 or B-2 visa. However, the exact length of your allowed stay is decided by the Customs and Border Protection officer at the port of entry and is written on your electronic I-94 arrival record
|
