The Trump administration plans to revoke the visas of foreign citizens who came to the U.S. on temporary B1 or B2 visas for tourism or business but later applied for asylum to stay longer. The State Department has begun reviewing such visas, with cancellations expected in waves, potentially affecting up to 200,000 visa holders and asylum applicants. State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott stated that a visa is a privilege, not a right, and confirmed coordination with the Department of Homeland Security to identify and revoke visas of those who file for asylum after short-term visits.

The effort targets individuals who, according to officials, misuse visitor visas to remain in the U.S. permanently. A federal judge in New York, Jeannette A. Vargas, recently struck down the administration’s attempt to halt visa issuance to applicants from 75 countries, ruling the public charge rationale lacked legal basis.

Separately, the State Department has ordered embassies and consulates worldwide to reschedule visa interviews so consular officers can complete training on a more restrictive public charge policy, expected to occur this week. The training aims to deny immigrant visas to applicants likely to rely on public assistance. These changes have created uncertainty among visa applicants, with rescheduling details still pending.

Zolan Kanno-Youngs contributed reporting.