Trump administration pauses immigrant visa applications worldwide: FT

The Trump administration has paused immigrant visa applications globally to conduct "in-depth training" for consular officers amid its ongoing immigration crackdown, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday, citing a State Department spokesperson.

A State Department said visa appointments ​would be adjusted to accommodate the training, which aims to help consular officers screen out applicants deemed likely to become dependent on US public benefits.

Since Trump's return to the White House, his administration has tightened immigration policies, cracking down on undocumented immigrants and increasing scrutiny of visa holders.

On August 10, the State Department said it had revoked more than 175,000 visas since January 2025, when Trump began his second term.

On Monday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposed a $103,265 fee for H-1B cap-subject petitions, the latest move to restrict the visa program after courts struck down an earlier $100,000 fee proposal.

Earlier on Tuesday, State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said in a statement obtained by Xinhua that the State Department is working with the DHS to revoke the nonimmigrant visas of foreigners who have entered the US claiming to be short-term visitors, but then filed for asylum to stay permanently.

The move follows reports that up to 200,000 business and tourism visas of foreign nationals who applied for asylum could be revoked. (With input from agencies)