The State Department has initiated a review to revoke the visas of foreign citizens who have applied for asylum in the United States. The move could potentially affect up to 200,000 visa holders and asylum applicants.
Officials confirmed that cancellations could occur in waves rather than all at once. The review process has already begun, signaling a shift in enforcement priorities within the current administration.
The policy targets individuals who hold valid U.S. visas but have also submitted asylum applications. Those affected may include visitors, students, and workers who entered the country legally before seeking protection.
Administration officials argue the measure is necessary to prevent abuse of the immigration system. They contend that some applicants use asylum claims as a means to extend their stay beyond the terms of their original visas.
Immigration attorneys and advocacy groups have raised concerns about the legality of the plan. Critics argue that revoking visas for those who have already entered the country could leave applicants in a legal gray area, facing potential detention or deportation.
The State Department has not disclosed a timeline for the review’s completion. However, internal guidance suggests that initial revocation decisions may be issued in the coming weeks.
For visa holders currently pursuing asylum, the announcement creates immediate uncertainty. Many applicants will need to reassess their legal standing and prepare for the possibility of losing their authorized status.
The full scope of the policy’s impact remains unclear until further details are released. The administration has stressed that each case will be reviewed individually, though it has not specified the standards that will guide those decisions.
