US pauses immigrant visa applications to screen likely benefits users

The Trump administration is reportedly pausing immigrant visa applications worldwide to accommodate “in-depth training” for consular officers as it seeks to screen out individuals deemed likely to need US public benefits.

The US State Department has reportedly launched a global training initiative to ensure all consular officers are fully equipped to evaluate every visa applicant comprehensively and consistently.

That’s to ensure visa applicants won’t likely become dependent on US public benefits reserved for qualified Americans in need.

The Financial Times reports immigrant visa applicants with scheduled interviews at US embassies and consulates have received emails informing them of their appointments are being rescheduled and that they would receive future notice of a new date and time.