Visa shock for asylum seekers in the US: 200,000 people could be affected

It has been alleged that the US administration is preparing to cancel the work and tourism visas of approximately 200,000 foreigners who have applied for asylum in the country or whose application processes are ongoing.

According to a report based on US State Department documents obtained by the Associated Press (AP) and two officials with knowledge of the matter, the review covers B1 and B2 type visas. It is stated that the cancellation preparation is aimed at visas issued between 2016 and 2026 whose holders have filed for asylum.

Officials stated that potential cancellations would not directly mean deportation for the individuals involved. Accordingly, the status of most people with pending applications will be reclassified; however, their visitor status, which allowed them to enter the country for business or tourism, will be terminated.

STATEMENT ON COORDINATION FROM THE DEPARTMENT

US State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott did not share specific information regarding the number of visas planned to be canceled. Pigott said, "We are coordinating with the Department of Homeland Security to identify and revoke non-immigrant visas of foreign nationals who entered the US claiming to be short-term visitors but subsequently applied for asylum to remain here permanently."

Pigott also noted that the process is ongoing, stating, "As the process continues, the number of revocations will remain dynamic and will be carried out gradually."

According to the AP, the US State Department began reviewing current B1 and B2 visa holders after receiving information regarding asylum applications from Citizenship and Immigration Services.

In the US, B1 visas are generally issued for business trips, while B2 visas are issued for short-term visit purposes such as tourism, family visits, or medical care. The report also noted that approximately 175,000 visas have been canceled for various reasons over the last 18 months.

News Source: 12punto