U.S. pauses immigrant visa interviews worldwide for new public-charge screening

The State Department ordered a worldwide pause on immigrant visa interviews so consular officers can complete training on new public-charge guidance, delaying interviews and rescheduling appointments. The move comes amid a broader crackdown on legal immigration and follows more than 100,000 visa revocations under a continuous vetting program, with DUIs among the key offenses cited. A public-charge determination can render an applicant inadmissible if officials believe they may rely on public benefits after arriving in the U.S. No timeline was given for when rescheduling will begin. The administration has also signaled other visa restrictions and faced related legal challenges.