U.S suspends immigrant visa applications worldwide as it moves to prevent entry of people likely to rely on public benefits

The United States has temporarily paused immigrant visa applications and appointments worldwide as the Donald Trump administration tightens immigration restrictions and increases scrutiny of applicants who may rely on public assistance.

A State Department official confirmed the move, saying the initiative was launched at U.S. embassies and consulates in early August. The department said visa appointments were adjusted to allow consular officers to undergo “in-depth training” and ensure they can assess applicants comprehensively and consistently.

Applicants who had already scheduled interviews were reportedly notified by email that their appointments had been cancelled and that new dates would be provided. However, it remains unclear when the affected appointments will be rescheduled.

Officials said the measure is intended to prevent immigrants from becoming dependent on U.S. public benefits and forms part of the Trump administration’s broader immigration crackdown.

The development follows plans to revoke the visas of some asylum seekers who initially entered the U.S. on tourist or business visas before applying for asylum. State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott described using a visa to seek asylum as “fra¥d,” which he said could lead to visa revocation.

The White House said up to 200,000 visas could be affected, calling it the “largest mass visa revocation in history.” The State Department did not confirm the figure, saying the number remained dynamic.

The latest pause follows an earlier public-charge policy affecting nationals of 75 countries, which was recently overturned by a federal judge.

Immigration lawyers have criticised the disruption, noting that affected applicants may have already spent thousands of dollars on travel and preparations for their interviews. The administration has also introduced measures including social media reviews and additional visa processing costs.

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