US suspends immigrant visa appointments and tightens controls

The State Department announced on August 26 that these appointments are on hold at all US embassies and consulates worldwide. The reorganization aims to train staff on new guidelines, particularly focusing on the "public charge" criterion, which ensures visa applicants do not become a burden on the state. While no official resumption date has been provided, a State Department official indicated the interruption would last "several weeks," with the exact duration varying by embassy.

Applicants affected by the suspension will be notified directly and instructed to reschedule their appointments. This move aligns with the current administration's efforts to tighten immigration policies, which have also included the potential cancellation of nearly 200,000 business and tourist visas for asylum seekers. Since January 2025, approximately 175,000 visas have been canceled for various reasons.

However, a federal judge ruled on August 22 that the freeze on permanent residency visa procedures affecting 75 countries since the beginning of the year was illegal.