US President Donald Trump administration has paused immigrant visa applications worldwide as the US State Department moves to tighten immigration controls and scrutinise applicants deemed likely to rely on public assistance, according to The Guardian.
A State Department official told The Guardian that the initiative was launched at US embassies and consulates in early August, with some visa appointments adjusted to allow for “in-depth training”.
The official said the department has been developing updated guidance and training since early this year to ensure consular officers can assess visa applicants “comprehensively and consistently”.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the administration’s tougher approach, saying admission to the United States should be based on what serves the country’s national interest.
Rubio said US authorities have the power to deny visas to applicants based on information uncovered during interviews or background checks, and to revoke visas from people already in the country if their activities are deemed contrary to US interests.
“A visa is a visitor. It's not a right,” Rubio said, arguing that the US routinely denies visas to applicants around the world.
He also warned that people admitted for purposes such as studying or research could face removal if they subsequently engage in activities the administration considers unlawful or contrary to US interests.
The pause comes as the Trump administration continues to tighten US immigration and visa policies, potentially affecting applicants seeking to relocate to the country permanently.
This comes months after Washington unveiled plans to drastically reduce the number of embassies and consulates processing visa applications across the African continent.
Under the proposed changes, the number of US diplomatic missions in Africa handling routine visa applications will be cut from nearly 50 to just 20, according to reports by the Associated Press citing US officials and an internal State Department memo.
The changes are expected to be rolled out as part of the Trump administration’s broader immigration crackdown.
The directive, reportedly approved by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is aimed at tightening immigration controls, reducing visa overstays and strengthening security screening for both immigrant and non-immigrant visa applicants.
US officials say the move will allow resources to be deployed more efficiently while maintaining rigorous vetting standards for those seeking entry into the United States.
For many Africans, however, the changes could create a major new hurdle.
Applicants from countries that will lose routine visa services may be forced to travel across borders to attend interviews and complete application procedures at designated regional hubs. Immigration observers warn that the added travel costs, accommodation expenses and logistical challenges could make the visa process significantly more difficult for many people.
While visa services will be centralised, US embassies and consulates in countries that are not selected as hubs will remain open.
Their focus will largely shift to services for American citizens, including passport renewals, emergency assistance, diplomatic visas and a limited number of special cases.
