US temporarily halts visa applications worldwide
The US State Department has indefinitely paused visa applications at embassies and consulates worldwide, citing staff training, while a New York court has struck down a suspension of immigrant visa issuance for citizens of 75 countries, including Russia and Belarus.
The administration of US President Donald Trump has indefinitely suspended the acceptance of visa applications from candidates around the world, as part of its ongoing push to tighten immigration policy.
A State Department spokesperson said on Tuesday that the pause is linked to newly launched staff training at US embassies and consulates worldwide, and that scheduling would be adjusted to accommodate these sessions. The department did not disclose details about the content or duration of the training, saying only that it is meant to help consular officers screen out applicants deemed likely to become dependent on US public benefits, and to ensure a "comprehensive and consistent" evaluation of visa applicants.
The Financial Times had earlier reported that applicants for immigrant visas with scheduled interviews at US embassies and consulates received emails saying their appointments were being rescheduled, with new dates to be announced later.
Human rights organizations have criticized Trump's immigration policy as discriminatory and as violating rights to free speech and due process. Rights advocates say the measures have also created an unsafe environment in the US, particularly for ethnic minorities. The administration has additionally made legal immigration more difficult, including by introducing costly new fees for applicants of certain work visas.
Trump is pursuing an aggressive deportation and immigration enforcement campaign, including revoking visas and green cards and denying applications for reasons such as political views or participation in pro-Palestinian protests. The White House says the measures are intended to strengthen domestic security.
On August 21, a district court in New York struck down the US government's indefinite suspension of immigrant visa issuance for citizens of 75 countries, including Russia and Belarus, which had taken effect on January 21. Judge Jeannette Vargas ruled that the policy violated the law and exceeded the statutory authority granted to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and therefore vacated the order under the Administrative Procedure Act. According to AFP, Vargas also voided all visa denials that had been based solely on that policy. The US government may appeal the ruling.
