WASHINGTON, Aug 26 (Alliance News): The administration of US President Donald Trump has paused or adjusted visa appointments for applicants worldwide as the State Department conducts a global training initiative at US embassies and consulates.
A State Department spokesperson said on Tuesday that the department had launched the training programme across its diplomatic missions and that visa appointments would be adjusted to accommodate the initiative.
The department did not provide details about the training programme or specify how long the adjustments would remain in place.
The development comes as the Trump administration continues an aggressive immigration crackdown during the president’s second term, including measures affecting visas, green cards and immigration applications.
Trump has defended the crackdown as necessary to strengthen domestic security. His administration has also rejected applications on a range of grounds, including political opinions and participation in pro-Palestinian protests against Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
Training aimed at visa screening
According to the State Department, the training is intended to help consular officers screen applicants who may become dependent on US public benefits.
The department said the initiative would also ensure that visa applicants are evaluated “comprehensively and consistently.”
The pause was first reported by the Financial Times, which said some immigrant visa applicants with scheduled interviews at US embassies and consulates had received emails informing them that their appointments were being rescheduled.
Applicants were told they would receive further notification regarding new interview dates.
Immigration policies face legal challenges
The Trump administration’s immigration policies have faced several legal challenges.
A US judge on Friday struck down an administration policy that had suspended the issuance of immigrant visas to applicants from 75 countries, ruling that the policy exceeded Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s statutory authority.
The ruling represents another legal setback for the administration’s broader immigration agenda.
Trump campaigned in 2024 on a platform focused on stopping illegal immigration. Since returning to the White House, however, his administration has also introduced measures affecting legal immigration.
These include new and higher fees for applicants seeking certain work visas.
Rights groups raise concerns
Human rights organisations have widely criticised the administration’s immigration crackdown, arguing that some measures are discriminatory and could infringe on free speech and due process rights.
Rights groups have also raised concerns about the impact of immigration enforcement on ethnic minorities and warned that the policies could contribute to racial profiling.
The latest adjustment to visa appointments is expected to affect applicants at US diplomatic missions around the world, although the State Department has not provided a specific timeline for the rescheduling process.
