US immigration interviews halted, visa restrictions tighten

U.S. immigration pathways are becoming increasingly constricted, with immigrant visa interviews suspended worldwide and new restrictions placed on student and work visas. Citizenship is also facing heightened scrutiny as part of a broader immigration crackdown.

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officers can train on a stricter “public charge” test: whether an applicant is likely to rely on public benefits.

U.S. embassies and consulates have halted immigrant visa interviews to train officers on a more rigorous "public charge" test. This test determines if an applicant is likely to rely on public benefits. The State Department insists officers must apply this test "comprehensively and consistently." This move follows a federal judge's decision to strike down a separate visa block targeting 75 countries based on similar grounds.

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officers must apply the test “comprehensively and consistently”.

Factors such as age, health, family size, financial status, education, and job prospects have always been considered. However, the new directive mandates a more aggressive application of these criteria, including the potential for public charge bonds in some instances. Critics argue that the Trump administration implemented this policy in the most disruptive manner possible. Immigration lawyers report that officers are being trained specifically to deny cases under these public charge rules, making it significantly harder for family and diversity lottery applicants to immigrate.

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the Donald Trump administration “chose the most disruptive possible way to roll this out”.