▲ Citizens line up in front of the U.S. Embassy in Seoul to apply for U.S. visas. (File photo)
The Donald Trump administration has temporarily suspended visa interviews for visa applicants worldwide.
According to Reuters on the 25th (local time), a U.S. State Department spokesperson announced that training to strengthen visa screening has begun at all U.S. embassies and consulates around the world, and that visa interview schedules are being collectively adjusted accordingly.
The State Department stated, "The purpose of this training is to enable consular officers to screen out applicants deemed likely to rely on U.S. public welfare benefits, and to ensure that visa applicants are evaluated comprehensively and consistently."
Specific details regarding the training content or schedule have not been disclosed.
Previously, the British daily Financial Times reported that interview schedules for visa applicants at U.S. embassies and consulates were being changed successively.
Applicants reportedly received notifications that their existing interview schedules were adjusted along with instructions that new dates would be provided at a later time.
Since its launch, the Trump administration has pursued intense immigration enforcement policies by mobilizing visa issuance restrictions and green card revocations.
(File Photo: Yonhap News)
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