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The Donald Trump administration is preparing a measure that could affect hundreds of thousands of foreigners who entered the United States with tourism or business visas and subsequently requested asylum. According to documents obtained by the Associated Press (AP) agency, the US government is analyzing the revocation of B1 and B2 visas granted to people who began an immigration protection process after entering the country.
Although the proposal has not yet been officially announced and could face legal challenges, the plan has generated concern among migrants of various nationalities, including Mexicans who have a valid US visa and have requested asylum or are in the process of doing so.
According to information revealed by AP, the Department of State is working with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to identify those who entered as temporary visitors, but subsequently requested asylum with the intention of remaining in the United States.
The potential measure would not mean an automatic deportation for those affected, but it could represent the loss of their immigration status as business travelers or tourists.
Which visas would be revoked?
The documents obtained by AP indicate that the US government is studying the revocation of B1 and B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026 whose holders have requested asylum or have a pending petition.
The B1 visa is intended primarily for temporary business trips, while the B2 visa is granted for tourism activities, family visits, or medical treatment. These categories are considered non-immigrant visas, so they are granted under the understanding that the person will return to their country of origin upon completing their stay.
According to State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott, the review is focused on people who entered the country declaring that their visit would be temporary, but later began proceedings to remain permanently through an asylum application.
How do I know if my US visa could be affected?
The measure would be aimed specifically at foreigners who:
Entered the United States with a B1 or B2 visa.
Have requested asylum.
Maintain a pending asylum application or already submitted one after entering the country.
For now, US authorities have not reported on a public consultation mechanism to verify if a visa will be revoked. Furthermore, the Department of State has not specified how many people could be affected.
What happens if I asked for asylum in the United States?
If the measure is implemented, requesting asylum would not automatically lead to a person's deportation. You would lose your tourist status, but the asylum case would continue subject to the corresponding immigration procedures.
Does the possible revocation affect Mexicans?
Anyone who meets the established criteria could be involved, regardless of their country of origin.
The documents reviewed by AP indicate that up to 200,000 people could be affected by the revocations if the policy enters into force under the terms currently contemplated.
What is the relationship between asylum and the tourist visa?
The B1/B2 visa is a document for people who travel temporarily to the United States for tourism, business, family visits, or medical reasons. One of the fundamental requirements to obtain it is to demonstrate that the stay will be temporary and that there is the intention to return to the country of origin once the trip is concluded.
Current applicants for B1 and B2 visas must confirm that they do not plan to ask for asylum in the United States and that they maintain the intention of returning to their country after their visit.
For this reason, the US administration maintains that some people enter the country as tourists or business travelers and subsequently request asylum to remain in US territory. Under that argument, the government is analyzing revoking the B1 and B2 visas of those who have submitted or are submitting an asylum application.
Can the tourist visa be canceled at any time?
Yes. A US visa does not guarantee permanent entry nor does it constitute an irrevocable right. Immigration and consular authorities have the authority to cancel or revoke a visa when they consider that the holder no longer meets the conditions under which it was granted.
In the case of the measure being analyzed by the Donald Trump administration, the possible revocation would be based on the argument that the B1/B2 visa was granted for a temporary visit, while an asylum application seeks to remain in the United States for a longer period or permanently.
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