WASHINGTON, August 26. /Dunyo IA/. The United States has suspended visa interview appointments for applicants worldwide amid a tightening of immigration policy, reports Dunyo IA correspondent, citing Reuters.

A U.S. State Department spokesperson said the department had launched a global training program for staff at American embassies and consulates, prompting adjustments to visa service schedules.

According to the department, the training is intended to help consular officers identify applicants who may become dependent on U.S. public benefits and ensure a “comprehensive and consistent” assessment of visa applicants.

The Financial Times previously reported on the suspension. According to the newspaper, immigrant visa applicants with scheduled interviews received notifications that their appointments had been postponed. New dates will be provided later.

Washington is pursuing a broad campaign to tighten immigration policy, including deportations, visa and green card revocations, and denials on various grounds, including political views.

The U.S. administration’s policy has faced legal challenges. Last week, a U.S. court overturned a decision to suspend the issuance of immigrant visas to citizens of 75 countries, ruling that it exceeded the authority of Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The tightening measures have affected both illegal and legal immigration, including through new and higher fees for certain categories of work visas.

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