Trump Administration Pauses Visa Appointments Worldwide Amid Immigration Crackdown

WASHINGTON: The administration of President Donald Trump has paused visa appointments for applicants around the world as part of an ongoing immigration crackdown.

A US State Department spokesperson said Tuesday that the department had launched a global training programme at US embassies and consulates. Visa appointments will be adjusted to allow staff to take part in the training.

The training is aimed at helping consular officers identify applicants who may become dependent on US public benefits and ensure that visa applications are reviewed “comprehensively and consistently.”

The State Department did not provide details about the training or say how long the pause would continue.

The pause was first reported by the Financial Times, which said immigrant visa applicants with scheduled interviews had received emails informing them that their appointments were being rescheduled. Applicants were told they would receive information about new dates later.

Trump has pursued an aggressive immigration crackdown during his second term, including deportations and the cancellation of visas and green cards. Some applications have also been rejected for reasons including political views and participation in pro-Palestinian protests.

Trump has said the crackdown is aimed at improving domestic security.

The administration has faced legal challenges over its immigration policies. On Friday, a US judge blocked a policy that suspended immigrant visa issuance to applicants from 75 countries, ruling that it exceeded Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s legal authority.

Human rights groups have widely criticised Trump’s immigration policies, saying they are discriminatory and violate free speech and due process rights. Rights groups have also raised concerns about racial profiling and the impact of the crackdown on ethnic minorities.

Although Trump campaigned in 2024 on a promise to stop illegal immigration, his administration has also made legal immigration more difficult by introducing new and expensive fees for applicants for certain work visas.