The administration of United States President Donald Trump has suspended immigrant visa appointments at US embassies and consulates worldwide.
The suspension, which began earlier this month, is linked to new screening requirements aimed at determining whether visa applicants are likely to depend on public benefits in the US.
A US State Department official said the agency launched the exercise at its diplomatic missions globally in early August.
According to the official, the department has been developing new guidance and training for consular officers to ensure applicants are assessed under the updated requirements.
Scheduled Interviews Cancelled
Some applicants who already had interview dates have reportedly received emails informing them that their appointments had been cancelled.
The applicants were told they would receive new dates and times for their interviews.
The development is part of the Trump administration’s wider tightening of US immigration policies.
Visa applicants have already faced additional screening measures, including reviews of their social media activity, as well as increased processing costs.
Wider Immigration Crackdown
The latest suspension comes as the US government considers further measures targeting foreign nationals seeking to enter or remain in the country.
Reports on Tuesday indicated that the State Department was considering the revocation of B1 and B2 visas held by as many as 200,000 foreigners who have applied for or are seeking asylum in the US.
If implemented, the measure would represent the largest mass visa revocation in US history.
The Department of Homeland Security has also proposed an additional $103,265 payment by US employers seeking to sponsor foreign workers under the H-1B visa programme.
The Trump administration has defended its immigration policies as necessary to strengthen national security and protect US resources.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.