WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Philippine Embassy is urging Filipinos in the United States to stay informed about changes in U.S. immigration policy as federal authorities review business and tourist visas held by some foreign nationals who later applied for asylum.

The Embassy said the U.S. Department of State has begun reviewing B-1 and B-2 visas issued to foreign nationals who subsequently sought asylum, with possible visa revocations expected on a rolling basis.

The review is part of a broader U.S. government examination of whether individuals who obtained temporary visitor visas remained eligible for those visas after seeking permission to remain permanently in the country.

The Embassy advised Filipino nationals with questions about their immigration status to consult a qualified U.S. immigration attorney or an accredited legal service provider rather than rely on generalized information about the policy.

It also emphasized that immigration cases are decided by the appropriate U.S. authorities based on the facts and circumstances of each individual case.

A visa revocation should not be described as an automatic deportation order. U.S. immigration law separately permits individuals who are physically present in the country to apply for asylum, including in certain circumstances regardless of their current immigration status. Eligibility for asylum and any consequences arising from a person’s visa history depend on the individual case.

The Embassy advised Filipinos to comply with applicable U.S. immigration laws and closely monitor official government notices concerning their status.