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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Martin Belam

First Thing: Pause on US immigrant visa leaves thousands of applicants in limbo

Stock image of people filling out immigration forms.
Visa applicants with interviews already scheduled were sent emails that their appointments had been canceled. Photograph: Hanna Kuprevich/Alamy

Good morning. All US immigrant visa applications have been paused by the Trump administration as the state department moves to tighten restrictions and limit access to applicants whom they deem could need US assistance. The agency launched the initiative at all embassies and consulates in early August.

Applicants with scheduled interviews were sent emails that their appointments had been canceled. Agency officials claim this will ensure visa applicants will not end up relying on US public benefits. This week the Trump administration also announced plans to revoke visas from asylum seekers who had initially entered the US for tourism or business. Up to 200,000 people seeking asylum could be affected.

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