The United States has paused immigrant visa applications worldwide as the Donald Trump administration moves to tighten restrictions on applicants deemed likely to rely on US public assistance.
A State Department official confirmed the pause on Tuesday, saying the agency had launched the initiative at US embassies and consulates worldwide in early August.
The UK Guardian quoted the official on Wednesday as saying visa appointments had been adjusted to accommodate “in-depth training.”
The State Department said the measure was necessary “to ensure all consular officers are fully equipped to evaluate every visa applicant comprehensively and consistently.”
According to the Financial Times, applicants whose interviews had already been scheduled received emails informing them that their appointments had been cancelled and that they would be notified of new dates.
State Department officials said the move was intended to ensure that visa applicants would not become reliant on US public benefits.
The pause is part of the President Donald Trump administration’s broader immigration crackdown, which has targeted both lawful and undocumented immigration.
The latest development came a day after the administration announced plans to revoke the visas of asylum seekers who initially entered the US on tourist or business visas before subsequently applying for asylum.
