By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The US government plans to revoke visas of foreign visitors who entered for tourism or business but later sought asylum, the State Department said Tuesday. The Trump administration says the policy targets foreigners who misuse temporary visas to seek permanent residence in the United States. Officials will work with the Department of Homeland Security to identify affected visa holders. The move follows a broader crackdown on immigration under President Donald Trump.
US Targets Visa Holders Seeking Asylum
State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott confirmed the new policy in a statement.
He said seeking asylum after obtaining a visa could amount to fraud. He added that fraud provides grounds for visa revocation.
The administration claims some foreigners entered the US as temporary visitors. However, they later applied for asylum to remain in the country permanently.
Consequently, officials are reviewing cases that they believe violate the terms of temporary visas.
The policy marks another step in Trump’s efforts to reduce immigration into the United States.
Trump Administration Expands Immigration Restrictions
The latest move follows several other immigration restrictions introduced by the administration.
Trump has removed large numbers of people who lacked proper immigration documents. At the same time, his administration has tightened entry rules for legal travelers.
Officials have also targeted foreigners who remain in the country after their visas expire.
However, US courts have challenged and blocked some of these measures.
Last Friday, a federal judge struck down a government ban on visas for nationals from 75 countries.
The affected countries included Nigeria, Afghanistan, Brazil, Egypt and Iran. Iraq, Somalia, Thailand and Yemen also appeared on the list.
US Plans Tougher Social Media Screening
Meanwhile, the Trump administration plans to expand social media checks for visa applicants.
The government says the additional screening will help identify potential security and immigration concerns.
“We are making clear that a visa is a privilege — not a right,” Pigott said Tuesday.
The administration has increasingly emphasized stricter screening as part of its immigration agenda.
White House Claims Massive Visa Revocations
The White House also indicated that the new crackdown could affect a large number of visas.
In a post on X, it suggested that up to 200,000 visas could face revocation.
The White House described the move as the “largest mass visa revocation in history.”
However, the State Department did not confirm that figure.
Pigott said the number remains dynamic and that officials will revoke visas on a rolling basis.
About 175,000 Visas Already Revoked
Earlier this month, the State Department disclosed a major increase in visa revocations.
Officials said about 175,000 foreigners had lost their US visas since Trump returned to power in January 2025.
The reasons reportedly ranged from criminal offenses to other alleged violations.
Some cases involved driving under the influence.
Others involved people who praised the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.
The administration has also revoked visas belonging to several Mexican officials.
The list reportedly included the son of former Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
Mexico’s current President Claudia Sheinbaum subsequently complained about the move.
Trump Intensifies Immigration Crackdown
The latest policy highlights Trump’s continuing push to restrict immigration.
His administration says visa holders must follow the conditions attached to their entry.
Therefore, officials are increasingly scrutinizing foreigners who seek to extend their stay.
The government also continues reviewing visa applications and existing visa holders.
Meanwhile, legal challenges could determine how far the administration can enforce some of these measures.
