US halts visa appointments globally amid Trump's immigration crackdown

Visa appointment schedules will be adjusted to accommodate the training The US has paused visa appointments for applicants around the world as the Trump administration launches a global training programme for consular officers amid its broader immigration crackdown.A US State Department spokesperson said on Tuesday that the department had begun a training initiative at all US embassies and consulates worldwide. Visa appointment schedules will be adjusted to accommodate the training, the spokesperson said, according to Reuters.The State Department did not provide details on the training or specify how long the adjustments would last.It said the programme was aimed at helping consular officers screen applicants who could potentially become dependent on US public benefits and ensure that visa applications are evaluated "comprehensively and consistently".According to a Financial Times report, immigrant visa applicants with scheduled interviews at US embassies and consulates had received emails informing them that their appointments were being rescheduled and that they would be notified of new dates.The development comes as President Donald Trump's administration continues a broad immig...