WASHINGTON: The Trump administration has temporarily paused visa appointments for applicants worldwide as part of its broader immigration crackdown, according to Reuters.
A State Department spokesperson said a global training program had been launched across US embassies and consulates. Visa appointment scheduling will be adjusted to accommodate the training program, the spokesperson said.
President Donald Trump has pursued an aggressive deportation campaign and broader immigration restrictions, including visa and green card cancellations and the rejection of applications on various grounds. The administration has said the measures are intended to strengthen national security.
The crackdown has faced legal challenges. A US judge on Friday struck down an administration policy that had barred the issuance of immigrant visas to applicants from 75 countries, ruling that the policy exceeded Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s legal authority.
The State Department did not provide details on the duration of the training program. It said the training is intended to help consular officers identify applicants who may be likely to rely on U.S. public benefits and ensure a “comprehensive and consistent” review of visa applicants.
More read, U.S. shifts Iran strategy from military strikes to sanctions, Rubio says
Earlier, the United States will avoid launching new strikes against Iran for now as Secretary of State Marco Rubio tells foreign allies that Washington is focusing on economic pressure, sanctions and control of the Strait of Hormuz, according to U.S. officials reports.
Marco Rubio has told several foreign ministers in recent days that the Trump administration does not currently plan to begin another major military campaign against Iran. However, he did not rule out possible strikes if Iran launches an attack first.
