WASHINGTON – The United States has paused or adjusted visa appointments at embassies and consulates worldwide as the administration of President Donald Trump begins a global training programme for consular officers.
A US State Department spokesperson said on Tuesday that the department had launched the training initiative at US diplomatic missions around the world. Visa appointments will be adjusted to accommodate the programme.
The move comes as the Trump administration continues its broader immigration crackdown. A US judge recently blocked a policy that suspended immigrant visa issuance for applicants from 75 countries.
Visa appointments being rescheduled
The State Department did not provide details about how long the changes to visa appointments would last.
It said the training would help consular officers assess applicants more comprehensively and consistently.
The department also said officers would receive training on screening applicants who could potentially become dependent on US public benefits.
The Financial Times earlier reported that US embassies and consulates had emailed some immigrant visa applicants with scheduled interviews to inform them that officials would reschedule their appointments.
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Trump administration steps up immigration crackdown
The changes come as the Trump administration continues to tighten US immigration policies during the president’s second term.
The administration has pursued measures affecting both undocumented and legal immigrants, including visa and green card revocations and stricter scrutiny of visa applications.
Trump said the measures aim to strengthen domestic security and enforce US immigration laws.
The administration has also introduced additional fees for some work visa applicants, making certain forms of legal immigration more expensive.
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Court challenges continue
The immigration crackdown has faced legal challenges in US courts.
A federal judge recently struck down an administration policy that suspended the issuance of immigrant visas to applicants from 75 countries. The judge ruled that the policy exceeded Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s statutory authority.
The ruling came as the administration faced wider legal challenges over its immigration policies.
Human rights organisations have criticised several measures, arguing that they could undermine due process and free speech protections. Rights groups have also raised concerns about racial profiling and the impact of stricter immigration enforcement on ethnic minorities.
The latest changes to visa appointments are expected to affect applicants who are already waiting for interviews at US embassies and consulates, although the State Department has not announced a specific timeline for the adjustments.
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Key points:
- The US has paused or rescheduled some visa appointments at embassies and consulates worldwide.
- The State Department has launched a global training programme for consular officers.
- Officials said the training will focus on more comprehensive and consistent visa screening.
- Immigrant visa applicants with scheduled interviews have reportedly received notices that their appointments are being rescheduled.
