The United States has paused all immigrant visa applications worldwide as the Donald Trump administration moves to tighten restrictions on applicants it considers likely to rely on US public assistance.
A State Department official confirmed the pause on Tuesday, saying the agency launched the initiative at all US embassies and consulates in early August.
Guardian quoted the official on Wednesday, saying visa appointments had to be adjusted to accommodate “in-depth training.”
The State Department added that the move is “to ensure all consular officers are fully equipped to evaluate every visa applicant comprehensively and consistently.”
Applicants whose interviews had already been scheduled were sent emails informing them that their appointments had been cancelled and that they would be notified of new dates, according to the Financial Times.
The move is intended to ensure visa applicants do not become reliant on US public benefits, according to agency officials.
It is also part of a broader immigration crackdown under the Trump administration targeting both lawful and undocumented immigration.
