A judge reversed a Trump administration pause on visa applications in 75 countries on Friday, according to the source article. By Tuesday, the administration had shifted to a global pause framed as consular training, with visa appointments adjusted worldwide, Reuters reported.
What the court did, per the source article
The source article states a judge found the earlier 75-country pause “contrary to law and in excess of statutory authority” attributed to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and indicated concern with singling out those countries. The source does not identify the judge, case name, or the 75 countries.
What the State Department told Reuters
Reuters reported that “a U.S. State Department spokesperson said on Tuesday that it launched a global training initiative at all U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide and that appointments for visa services will be adjusted to accommodate the training.”
According to Reuters, the department said the training is “aimed to help consular officers screen out applicants deemed likely to become dependent on U.S. public benefits and to ensure evaluation of visa applicants ‘comprehensively and consistently.’”
What applicants were told, per the source article
The source article states that applicants with scheduled visa interviews received notices that their appointments will be rescheduled at a later date.
