Trump Immigration Crackdown Hits US Visa Interviews Worldwide
The United States has paused immigrant visa interviews at embassies and consulates worldwide as President Donald Trump’s administration intensifies its immigration crackdown.
The State Department said Tuesday that consular officers had begun a global training programme, prompting changes to existing visa appointment schedules.
Applicants with previously scheduled immigrant visa interviews have reportedly received emails informing them that their appointments would be moved.
New interview dates will be communicated later, although the department has not provided a specific resumption date.
It also remains unclear how long the disruption to immigrant visa appointments will last.
The State Department said the training would help consular officers assess applicants more thoroughly and apply immigration rules consistently.
Part of the assessment will involve determining whether applicants are likely to depend on US public benefits after entering the country.
The latest development comes amid a wider tightening of US immigration enforcement under the Trump administration.
The government has increased scrutiny of visa applications and taken steps involving visa and green-card revocations.
Some of the administration’s immigration policies have also triggered legal battles.
On Friday, a US judge struck down a policy that had suspended immigrant visa issuance for applicants from 75 countries.
The court ruled that Secretary of State Marco Rubio had exceeded his legal authority in introducing the measure.
The latest worldwide pause in immigrant visa interviews was first reported by the Financial Times.
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