Why US visa pause could have ‘real consequences’ for Asian applicants
Asian workers and families already facing years-long waits for US visas could be pushed deeper into uncertainty by a global pause on immigrant visa appointments, as President Donald Trump’s administration tightens legal immigration through new screening and higher costs, experts warn. The US State Department on Tuesday said it had launched a global training initiative for consular officers at all…
A global pause on US immigrant visa appointments could have significant consequences for Asian applicants already facing long waits, according to experts. The US State Department's decision to adjust appointments for this training initiative could lead to rescheduling of interviews and uncertainty over required documents. Asian countries with large visa pipelines, such as India, the Philippines and Vietnam, are likely to be hit hardest by the delays.
The Department of Homeland Security's proposal of a new US$103,265 fee for H-1B petitions has also raised concerns, as it could increase hiring costs for skilled foreign workers, particularly those from China and India. Experts warn that employment-based applicants may face particular scrutiny, adding to the potential impact on Asian applicants.
The sudden halt in processing could disrupt plans for study, work and family reunification, especially for those who have been preparing for years. The financial burden could also increase if immigration documents expire while the pause persists.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
