On August 25th, local time, the British 'Financial Times' reported citing sources that the US government has suspended immigration visas worldwide in order to train consular officials so they can identify applicants who may need government assistance.
A representative from the U.S. State Department revealed that the department has launched a global training program aimed at helping consular officers evaluate applicants using standardized criteria, and ensuring that visa applicants do not become a burden on society or rely on public welfare that should be provided to Americans in need.
According to the Financial Times, immigration visa applicants who have made appointments for interviews at US embassies and consulates have received an email informing them that their appointments have been postponed, and they will receive a new interview date in the future. However, the U.S. Department of State has not indicated when immigration visa appointments will be resumed.
In January this year, the U.S. Department of State suspended the processing of immigration visas for applicants from 75 countries, including Somalia, Haiti, Iran, and Eritrea. The Trump administration stated that the suspension was to prevent the admission of individuals who might become a burden on the U.S. population in the future. Last week, a federal court in New York overturned the ban on immigration visa applications from these 75 countries imposed by Trump.
In addition, according to The Wall Street Journal, on August 24th local time, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security also stated that it plans to charge applicants for new H-1B work visas a fee of over $100,000. This fee must be paid before the government makes a decision regarding the application.
This proposal will undergo a 30-day public comment period before it becomes effective.
According to reports, this fee will apply to most new applicants, not just those from abroad. The move aims to replace a plan proposed by the Trump administration last September, which stipulated a fee of $100,000 for this visa but which was ruled invalid by the courts.
