US to revoke 200,000 visas
Photo: Ted S Warren/AP/TT

US to revoke 200,000 visas issued to asylum seekers, report says

US authorities plan to withdraw 200,000 visas issued to people who have applied for asylum.

The plans are expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks and apply to two types of short-term visas issued to people who have “come to the United States claiming to be short-term visitors but then applied to stay permanently,” said Tommy Pigott, a spokesman for the State Department.

The visas in question have been issued in the past ten years, but those applying for them today must certify that they will not apply for asylum and prove that they intend to return home.

In the past 18 months, around 175,000 visas have been revoked for people convicted or accused of crimes or who have spoken negatively about American policies.

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AuthorTT News AgencyEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for our readers
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