Trump Administration Pauses All US Immigrant Visa Applications

The Trump administration has paused all US immigrant visa applications as part of a state department move to tighten restrictions and limit access to applicants whom the agency deems could need US assistance. The initiative was launched at all embassies and consulates in early August, leaving thousands of applicants in limbo. Applicants with scheduled interviews received emails informing them that their appointments had been canceled. Agency officials state that the measure will ensure visa applicants do not end up relying on US public benefits. Additionally, the administration announced plans this week to revoke visas from up to 200,000 asylum seekers who initially entered the US for tourism or business. Regarding the legality of these immigration moves, Joanna Cuevas Ingram, a senior staff attorney at the National Immigration Law Center, stated that the court made clear immigration laws cannot be used to justify discrimination, noting that a federal judge overturned the president's attempt to suspend the US refugee system entirely in February.