Staff Correspondent, Dhaka:
The Trump administration has taken another step to tighten US immigration rules. It plans to revoke non-immigrant visas from foreigners who have applied for asylum or are seeking it.
The policy could affect many people who first entered the US for business or tourism. Some later applied for asylum and sought to stay in the country.
The State Department said it is working with the Department of Homeland Security on the issue. Officials are identifying people who entered the US as short-term visitors and later applied for asylum. The department has not said how many visas could be revoked.
According to the Associated Press, the administration plans to revoke B1 and B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026. This would apply to people who have applied for or are seeking asylum. The number affected could be as high as 200,000. If so, it would be an unprecedented number of visa revocations.
Losing a visa does not automatically mean deportation. People with pending asylum cases may still be able to pursue their claims. However, they could lose their previous status as business or tourism visitors. Visa revocation and deportation are two different immigration actions.
The administration says the US asylum system has been overwhelmed by what it considers excessive or false claims. The State Department has also said that more than 175,000 visas have already been revoked under the Trump administration.
Supporters may see the policy as a way to prevent people from misusing temporary visas. They may also view it as a way to strengthen immigration enforcement.
However, rights groups have raised concerns. They question whether the policy provides enough due process. They have also warned about possible discrimination and the wider effects of stricter immigration rules.
The policy could face lega challenges. Courts may examine how people are selected for visa revocation. They may also consider whether the rights of asylum seekers are being protected.
The final impact will depend on how the policy is enforced. It will also depend on court decisions and how officials distinguish legitimate asylum claims from alleged misuse of temporary visas.
Overall, the move shows that the administration is taking a stricter approach to people who enter the US legally and later seek asylum. It could change how the US balances immigration enforcement with its obligations to protect asylum seekers.
