Critical Decision on Visas for 200,000 Foreigners from the US!

It was alleged that the U.S. administration is preparing to cancel the work and tourism visas of about 200,000 foreigners who had previously applied for asylum or whose asylum process is still ongoing. According to documents obtained by the Associated Press (AP) from the U.S. Department of State and information provided by two officials, the investigation focuses particularly on B‑1 and B‑2 visas.

Visas Between 2016 and 2026 Under the Lens

The U.S. Department of State reportedly is reviewing about 200,000 visas issued between 2016 and 2026 whose holders have applied for asylum in the United States. It was reported that the review is conducted based on whether those individuals applied for asylum in the U.S. after obtaining the visa.

Cancellation Does Not Mean Immediate Deportation

Officials said that canceling the visas does not automatically mean these individuals will be immediately deported. While the status of those whose asylum applications are still pending is expected to be reassessed, it was noted that they could lose their current visa status used for work or tourism.

The Department of State Confirmed the Process

U.S. Secretary of State spokesperson Tommy Pigott did not give a definitive figure for the number of visas slated for cancellation in his statement to AP. Pigott said that they were coordinating with the Department of Homeland Security to identify and cancel the non‑immigrant visas of people who came to the United States for short‑term visits but later applied for asylum to stay permanently.

Cancellations Will Be Phased

Pigott said the process is ongoing and that the number of visas to be cancelled may change over time. The spokesperson added that the cancellations would not happen all at once but in stages.

175,000 Visas Previously Cancelled

According to information reported by AP, the U.S. Department of State cancelled the visas of about 175,000 people over the past 18 months for various reasons. Among those were individuals convicted or charged with offenses such as driving under the influence, rape, and robbery, as well as people who publicly criticized U.S. policies toward the Middle East.

What Are B‑1 and B‑2 Visas Used For

In the United States, B1 visas are primarily used for business travel, while B2 visas are used for purposes such as tourism, family visits, and medical care. It was reported that the ministry's review covers individuals who hold these visas and later apply for asylum.