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US President Donald Trump’s administration has suspended the processing of visa applications worldwide as part of its campaign to tighten immigration policy, Deutsche Welle reported.
The US State Department said it had begun training staff at US embassies and consulates around the world and that work schedules would be adjusted to accommodate the process.
The State Department did not specify the details or duration of the training, saying only that the process was intended to help consular officers identify applicants who, in their assessment, could become dependent on benefits provided by the US government, as well as to ensure a comprehensive and consistent assessment of visa applicants.
People applying for immigrant visas who had interview appointments at US embassies and consulates received emails informing them that their appointments were being postponed and that they would be notified of a new date later.
Human rights organisations have criticised Trump’s immigration policy, describing it as discriminatory and a violation of the rights to freedom of expression and due process. Rights groups have also said the measures have created an insecure environment in the United States, particularly for ethnic minorities.
The US administration has also made the legal immigration process more difficult by introducing new and costly fees for applicants seeking certain types of work visas.