THE Trump administration has paused all immigrant visa applications across the world as the State Department aims to tighten restrictions and limit access to applicants who may become dependent on US “public benefits” reserved for qualified Americans, according to a report. According to a Financial Times report, the US is training consular officers to evaluate such requests “comprehensively and consistently.” The training of consular officers is focused on screening individuals who may become dependent on subsistence assistance or come under the definition of “public charge”, the newspaper reported, quoting US State Department officials.

 

A public charge is a label used by US immigration officials for a person who is likely to become primarily dependent on the government for financial support. Immigrant visa applicants with scheduled interviews at US embassies and consulates have received emails stating their appointments were rescheduled, and that they would receive future notice of a new date and time, the report said. The State Department officials claim this will ensure visa applicants will not end up relying on US public benefits. The pause comes as the US has launched a crackdown against illegal immigration and also tightened rules governing the issuance of green cards.