US Visa Appointments Halted Amid Global Training Initiative

The US State Department has paused or rescheduled visa appointments worldwide as it launches a global training programme for consular officers. The move aims to help officers screen visa applicants more effectively, including identifying those who may become dependent on US public benefits.

The Trump administration says the crackdown is aimed at strengthening domestic security by ensuring that visa applicants are not likely to become a public charge or depend on US public benefits reserved for qualified Americans in need.

A recent legal setback for the Trump administration has also contributed to the disruption. A US judge struck down a policy that had suspended the issuance of immigrant visas to applicants from 75 countries, ruling that Secretary of State Marco Rubio had exceeded his statutory authority.