WASHINGTON: The Trump administration has paused or rescheduled visa appointments at US embassies and consulates worldwide as the State Department conducts a global training initiative for consular officers.
A State Department spokesperson said on Tuesday that visa appointments would be adjusted to accommodate the training programme, but did not provide details on its duration or the number of applicants affected.
The move comes as President Donald Trump’s administration continues its broader immigration crackdown, which has included increased scrutiny of visa and green card holders and restrictions affecting both legal and illegal immigration.
Why Has the US Paused Visa Appointments?
The State Department said the training is intended to help consular officers screen applicants more effectively and identify individuals considered likely to become dependent on US public benefits.
Officials also said the initiative aims to ensure that visa applicants are evaluated “comprehensively and consistently.”
The department did not provide further details about the training programme or specify when normal appointment schedules would resume.
The Financial Times, which first reported the pause, said some immigrant visa applicants with scheduled interviews had received emails informing them that their appointments were being rescheduled. Applicants were told they would receive further notification of new interview dates.
What Is the Impact of Trump’s Immigration Crackdown?
The visa changes come amid an aggressive immigration policy pursued by Trump during his second term.
The administration has revoked visas and green cards and rejected applications on various grounds, including applicants’ political views and participation in pro-Palestinian protests.
Trump has said the measures are intended to strengthen US domestic security.
The administration has also introduced new fees affecting some work-visa applicants, making parts of the legal immigration process more expensive.
Has Trump’s Immigration Policy Faced Legal Challenges?
Several elements of the administration’s immigration policies have faced legal challenges.
On Friday, a US judge struck down a policy that suspended the issuance of immigrant visas to applicants from 75 countries, ruling that Secretary of State Marco Rubio had exceeded his statutory authority.
The administration has faced criticism from human rights groups, which have accused it of discriminatory enforcement and violations of free speech and due process rights.
The latest visa appointment changes affect applicants worldwide and come as the State Department reviews and adjusts its consular procedures.