Trump Pauses Immigrant Visa Interviews for Global Training

Applicants awaiting immigrant visa interviews at U.S. embassies now face delays after the State Department ordered a worldwide pause to complete training on public-charge rules. The change affects only immigrant visas and leaves tourist, business and other nonimmigrant processing intact.

The training, launched in early August, instructs consular officers how to apply federal law that bars admission to anyone likely to rely on certain public benefits. A State Department statement said the sessions ensure evaluations occur “comprehensively and consistently,” with most posts completing them this week. Affected applicants have received cancellation notices and will be told new dates later.

The pause forms one part of broader enforcement steps that also include higher fees for some work visas and consideration of revoking up to 200,000 business and tourist visas held by people who have sought or are seeking asylum. On Friday a federal judge blocked a separate State Department order that would have suspended immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries, ruling that Secretary of State Marco Rubio lacked authority for the action.

Human rights groups have criticized the training and related measures as discriminatory and likely to chill protected speech, citing earlier visa denials tied to political activity. The administration maintains the steps protect taxpayers and national security. No timetable has been given for when interviews will resume at scale.