Kathmandu. The US government is preparing to cancel the business and tourist visas of up to 2 lakh foreign nationals. If enacted, the measure would result in the largest number of visa cancellations in U.S. history.
The U.S. State Department is expected to announce the cancellation of B-1 and B-2 visas in the coming weeks. Those visa holders issued between 2016 and 2026 who have applied for or are applying for asylum in the US will be subject to this action.
According to State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott, these individuals entered the U.S. briefly as tourists or businessmen, but later applied for asylum to settle permanently.
Visa cancellation does not mean immediate deportation
The U.S. State Department declined to disclose the exact number of people whose visas will be revoked. According to officials, the number may change as the process is phased out.
The cancellation of the visa does not mean that the person concerned will be immediately deported from the United States. Those whose asylum case is pending may change their status, but their status as business or tourist travelers will end.
Visa rules tighten in Trump’s second term
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Under President Donald Trump’s second term, the US has already tightened visa rules. Applicants are being asked for their social media information, expensive visa bonds have been arranged and citizens of some countries have been barred from issuing visas.
“Some people come to the United States on tourist or business visas and then apply for asylum,” Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said. ’
“Asylum should not be used as an escape route from immigration laws,” he added. ’
2.75 lakh visas cancelled in the last 18 months
Generally, B-One visas are issued for business travel and B2 visas are issued for tourism, family visits or treatment.
However, it is unclear how many of these visa holders have already or are seeking asylum, and how many will be affected by the proposed action.
In the last 18 months, the US State Department has revoked about 175,000 visas. This includes people accused or convicted of crimes and some who speak out publicly against U.S. policies.
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