The Trump administration has paused all US immigrant visa applications as part of a crackdown on both lawful and undocumented immigration. The State Department launched the initiative at all embassies and consulates in early August to limit access to applicants who may rely on US assistance. Consular officers are receiving in-depth training to ensure they are fully equipped to evaluate every visa applicant comprehensively and consistently.
In a separate move, the administration plans to revoke B1 and B2 business and tourism visas issued between 2016 and 2026 for foreigners who have sought or are currently seeking asylum. The State Department is coordinating with the Department of Homeland Security to identify individuals who entered the United States claiming to be short-term visitors but then filed for asylum to stay permanently. The State Department has characterized the act of obtaining a visa to seek asylum as fraud.
This action could affect up to 200,000 people, which the White House said could be the largest mass visa revocation in US history. Officials suggest that the move may deter other foreigners from filing asylum claims once they have entered the United States.