WASHINGTON: The Trump administration has paused all US immigrant visa applications as the State Department tightens screening rules for applicants who could become dependent on public assistance, a State Department official confirmed on Tuesday.
The department launched the initiative at US embassies and consulates worldwide in early August. As a result, some visa appointments have been canceled or rescheduled to allow consular staff to undergo additional training.
The State Department said it has been developing new guidance since early this year. The training aims to help consular officers assess visa applicants more thoroughly and consistently.
Meanwhile, the Financial Times reported that applicants with scheduled interviews received emails informing them that their appointments had been canceled. Officials said they would receive new dates later, although no timeline has been given.
The administration says the move will prevent immigrants from relying on US public benefits. However, immigration experts and rights advocates say it adds another major barrier to an already difficult legal immigration process.
The latest action follows several other immigration measures under President Donald Trump. This week, the administration also announced plans to revoke visas held by some asylum seekers who initially entered the United States for tourism or business.
The move could affect up to 200,000 asylum seekers, according to reports. The Department of Homeland Security is coordinating the effort.
In addition, the administration has introduced social media screening for some visa applicants and increased visa processing costs.
The latest pause also follows an earlier attempt to restrict immigrant visa applications from 75 countries on similar “public charge” grounds. A federal judge recently overturned that policy.
Immigration advocates have challenged several of the administration’s measures in court. In February, a federal judge also blocked Trump’s attempt to suspend the US refugee resettlement system.
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Meanwhile, immigration lawyers warned that the latest pause could cause significant disruption for applicants who have already spent large sums of money preparing for interviews.
“It’s unclear when those appointments will be rescheduled,” immigration attorney Brian Simmons told the Financial Times.
The State Department has not provided a date for when immigrant visa processing will fully resume.
