US to strip B1, B2 visas from 200,000 foreigners

The United States is preparing to revoke the business and tourism visas of up to 200,000 foreigners who have applied for asylum, in what could become the largest mass visa revocation in the country’s history.

According to the Associated Press, the State Department is expected to target B1 and B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026 to holders who have sought or are seeking asylum.

Officials said the move is being coordinated with the Department of Homeland Security and will be carried out on a rolling basis.

The revocations would not automatically lead to deportation, but affected individuals would lose their visitor visa status.