US President Donald Trump (Photo by ALEX WONG / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)
The United States has paused all immigrant visa applications worldwide as the Donald Trump administration moves to tighten restrictions on applicants it considers likely to rely on US public assistance.
A State Department official confirmed the pause on Tuesday, saying the agency launched the initiative at all US embassies and consulates in early August.
Guardian quoted the official on Wednesday, saying visa appointments had to be adjusted to accommodate “in-depth training.”
The State Department added that the move is “to ensure all consular officers are fully equipped to evaluate every visa applicant comprehensively and consistently.”
