US Places Immediate Freeze on Immigrant Visas Amid Tightened Vetting

The Trump administration suspended all immigrant visa applications at U.S. embassies and consulates to tighten restrictions and ensure stricter, more consistent screening, with interviews canceled and rescheduled after mandatory in-depth training. The move forms part of broader efforts to limit entry, including potential visa revocations for some asylum seekers, social-media screening, and higher processing costs, drawing criticism from advocates who warn of disruption to legitimate applicants.