US Plans Visa Revocations For Visitor-Visa Holders Seeking Asylum

The United States is preparing a plan to revoke the business and tourist visas of up to 200,000 foreigners who have applied for, or are seeking, asylum in the country.

The proposal is not a blanket action against all Nigerian visitors. Nigeria was not named in the report, and it is not known how many Nigerians, if any, could be affected. But the proposed screening is based on visa type and asylum status, which means a Nigerian who entered the US on a qualifying visitor visa and later sought asylum could fall within its scope if the plan takes effect.

According to documents obtained by the Associated Press and two US officials, the State Department could announce in the coming weeks the revocation of B-1 and B-2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026 to holders who have sought asylum or are now seeking it. The department is working with the Department of Homeland Security on the process, the report said.

B-1 visas are generally issued for business travel, while B-2 visas cover tourism, family visits and medical care. The planned revocations would not necessarily mean immediate deportation, AP reported. People with pending asylum cases would generally be recategorised but would lose their status as business or tourism visitors.

The report said current B-1 and B-2 applicants are asked to confirm that they do not intend to apply for asylum and to show that they plan to return home. The proposed action has not been finalised and is expected to face legal challenges.

Source: Associated Press