The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) has called on the US administration to ensure a fair, transparent and individual review of visa cases amid reports of a possible large-scale revocation of B1 and B2 visas.

According to reports, the proposed action could affect as many as 200,000 business and tourist visa holders who entered the United States on temporary visas and later applied for or are currently seeking asylum. However, NAPA stressed that the reported figure is an estimate and has not been officially confirmed as a final number by the US State Department.

NAPA Calls for Case-by-Case Review

NAPA Executive Director Satnam Singh Chahal urged US authorities to distinguish between deliberate visa fraud and cases where an individual's circumstances changed after entering the country.

He said that simply applying for asylum after entering the US on a genuine visitor visa should not automatically be treated as visa fraud. According to NAPA, each case should be assessed based on its individual circumstances.

Concern Among Punjabi and South Asian Communities

The reported plan has created uncertainty among immigrant and diaspora communities, particularly Punjabi and South Asian families with strong personal, business and family connections between the US, India and other countries.

NAPA has called for clear information from US authorities about who could be affected, what procedure will be followed, what notices will be issued and what legal options will be available.

Visa Revocation Does Not Necessarily Mean Immediate Deportation

NAPA also highlighted that losing a B1 or B2 visa would not necessarily mean immediate deportation.

Reports indicate that affected individuals with pending asylum applications could face changes to their immigration status, but the exact process and consequences have not been fully detailed by US authorities.

NAPA Advises Community to Stay Alert

Chahal urged members of the diaspora not to panic but to remain cautious. He advised potentially affected individuals to keep copies of their immigration documents, carefully review any notices received from US authorities and seek qualified legal advice when necessary.