Key facts
- The Trump administration has paused all US immigrant visa applications.
- The pause is intended to tighten restrictions and limit access to applicants who might require US public assistance.
- The initiative began in early August at all US embassies and consulates.
- Scheduled visa interviews have been canceled via email notifications.
- The administration also plans to revoke visas from asylum seekers who initially entered the US for tourism or business.
The Trump administration has initiated a pause on all US immigrant visa applications, aiming to tighten restrictions and prevent applicants from relying on US public benefits. This initiative, launched in early August across all US embassies and consulates, has resulted in the cancellation of scheduled interviews. Agency officials claim the move is to ensure visa applicants will not need US assistance. In parallel, the administration announced plans to revoke visas from asylum seekers who initially entered the US for tourism or business, potentially affecting up to 200,000 individuals.
Legal experts question the lawfulness of the move, with one attorney stating that immigration laws cannot be used to justify discrimination. This follows a previous instance where a federal judge overturned the administration's attempt to suspend the US refugee system.
In unrelated news, Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, testified in a California court regarding allegations that Meta designed addictive products harmful to young people. Mosseri disputed claims of hiding negative information, noting that low user numbers for teen safety features like 'Take a Break' were publicly acknowledged. Separately, at least 14 newborn babies died in a fire at a maternity ward in a Pakistan hospital, prompting an investigation ordered by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Additionally, the Trump administration has threatened to demolish the Kennedy Center if a $250 million renovation is not completed, as part of a dispute over renaming the arts complex.