US pauses visa applications worldwide over public charge concerns

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.

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.