Kathmandu, Aug 25
The US government is preparing to cancel the business and tourist visas of up to 200,000 foreign nationals. If carried out, it would be the largest single visa cancellation in American history.
The State Department could announce the cancellation of B-1 and B-2 visas in the coming weeks. The action will target holders of these visas issued between 2016 and 2026 who have applied, or are applying, for asylum in the US.
According to State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott, these individuals entered the US briefly as tourists or business travellers but later filed for asylum to settle permanently.
Visa cancellation does not mean immediate deportation
The State Department has declined to specify the exact number of people whose visas will be cancelled. Officials say the number could change as the process unfolds in phases.
A cancelled visa does not mean the person will be immediately deported. Those with pending asylum cases may see their status change, but their business or tourist visa status will end.
Visa rules tightened under Trump’s second term
The US has already tightened visa rules under President Donald Trump’s second term, requesting applicants’ social media information, imposing costly visa bonds, and barring visas for citizens of certain countries.
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said some people come to the US on tourist or business visas and then apply for asylum to stay. He added that asylum should not be used as a way to bypass immigration law.
Nearly 175,000 visas cancelled in the past 18 months
B-1 visas are typically issued for business travel, and B-2 visas for tourism, family visits, or medical treatment. It remains unclear how many of these visa holders have applied or are applying for asylum, or how many will be affected by the proposed action.
Over the past 18 months, the State Department has already cancelled roughly 175,000 visas, including some issued to people accused or convicted of crimes, as well as some who have publicly criticised US policies.
