On August 25 (Washington time), the US State Department spokesman said that the agency has launched a global training program at all US embassies and consulates, and visa services schedules will be adjusted to serve the training program.
The program is being implemented in the context of the administration of US President Donald Trump stepping up its deportation and immigration crackdown campaign, including revoking visas, green cards and refusing applications for various reasons.
President Trump believes these measures are aimed at strengthening domestic security.
However, the US government's immigration crackdown campaign has encountered some legal obstacles. On August 21, a US judge rejected the Trump administration's policy of suspending the issuance of immigration visas to applicants from 75 countries and territories, saying that this policy exceeds the legal authority of Foreign Minister Marco Rubio.
The US State Department did not disclose details about the specific content and time of the training program. The agency said the program aims to help consular staff screen people believed to be likely to be dependent on US public subsidies, while ensuring visa applications are comprehensively and consistently evaluated.
The scheduling adjustment has affected those who already have interview schedules at US embassies and consulates. Some applicants are informed that the appointment schedule will be rearranged and they will receive notifications of a new interview date.
The US State Department has not yet announced when appointments will be renewed or the specific time for applicants to receive new appointments.
This move takes place as the Trump administration continues to implement many measures to limit immigration. During the 2024 election campaign, President Trump pledged to prevent illegal immigration. His administration has also introduced measures that make legal immigration more difficult, including the application of new and high fees for people applying for some types of work visas.
Human rights organizations have repeatedly criticized the Trump administration's immigration crackdown campaign, saying that some policies are discriminatory and affect freedom of speech as well as the right to legal procedures.
