US visa decision affecting the world: Applications suspended
The US Department of State has suspended immigrant visa applications leading to green cards worldwide, citing consular training.
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It has been reported that the US Department of State has suspended all immigrant visa applications worldwide. According to The Guardian, a State Department official confirmed the practice on Tuesday, noting that it began at all embassies and consulates in early August.
The decision reportedly involves rescheduling visa appointments due to "comprehensive training" to be provided to consular officers. According to a report by the Financial Times, applicants who had previously scheduled interview dates were sent emails stating that their appointments had been canceled and that new dates would be provided later.
The State Department official stated that they have been working on updated guidance and training since the beginning of the year. The official noted that the goal is to "ensure that all consular officers can evaluate every visa application comprehensively and consistently."
The suspension decision covers immigrant visas leading to permanent residency, or green cards. It was reported that non-immigrant visa categories, such as tourist, student, and work visas, are not directly affected.
The practice is being evaluated as part of the Trump administration's broader restrictive measures toward both legal and undocumented immigration. The decision came a few days after a federal court struck down a previous regulation the administration had implemented for similar reasons.
In January, the US Department of State had indefinitely suspended the issuance of immigrant visas to citizens of 75 countries. The department had argued that those coming from these countries were at risk of becoming dependent on public assistance in the US, or in legal terms, becoming a "public charge."
It was also reported that the department is conducting a separate study with the Department of Homeland Security regarding asylum seekers. According to documents obtained by the Associated Press, B1 and B2 short-term visitor visas issued between 2016 and 2026 could be revoked if their holders apply for asylum in the US.