Trump administration issues pause on visa appointments worldwide

President Donald Trump's administration has halted visa appointments globally due to an ongoing immigration crackdown. A State Department spokesperson announced the initiative, stating that appointments at US embassies and consulates are being postponed to accommodate training for consular officers. The training aims to help officers identify applicants likely to rely on US public benefits and ensures consistent evaluation of visa applicants.

Trump's administration has been criticized for its aggressive deportation drive, which includes revoking visas and green cards based on various grounds, such as political opinions and protests. A US judge recently struck down a policy suspending immigrant visas for 75 countries, citing the policy's overreach. Human rights groups have vehemently condemned the crackdown as discriminatory and in violation of free speech and due process rights, while also highlighting safety concerns, particularly for ethnic minorities.

Despite Trump's 2024 campaign promises to curb illegal immigration, his administration has also made legal immigration more challenging through new and expensive fees for certain work visa applicants.