The United States government is considering the mass cancellation of up to 200,000 business and tourist visas belonging to foreigners who have applied for asylum.
Advertisment
The proposed action by the Donald Trump administration could affect holders of B1 and B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026.
According to documents obtained by The Associated Press and US officials, the State Department is expected to begin announcing the revocations in the coming weeks.
Advertisment
Why the visas are being targeted
Advertisment
The administration is focusing on foreigners who entered the US as temporary visitors before seeking asylum.
Advertisment
State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said the department was working with the Department of Homeland Security to identify affected visa holders.
The State Department has already revoked about 175,000 visas over the past 18 months.
Advertisment
Advertisment
Those cancellations have involved people convicted or accused of offences including driving under the influence, rape and robbery.
Advertisment
Some visas were also revoked from people who publicly criticised US policies, particularly regarding the Middle East.
Advertisment
The administration has separately moved against birth tourism involving pregnant foreign nationals travelling to the US to give birth.
Advertisment
Advertisment
Trump has repeatedly attempted to end birthright citizenship, although courts, including the Supreme Court, have rejected or blocked those efforts.
Advertisment
Documents obtained by AP indicate that the latest screening exercise began after the State Department received information from US Citizenship and Immigration Services about asylum applications.
Advertisment
Watch the video here;
Advertisment
Advertisment
